Let us take care of our own wellbeing and that of our loved ones in a holistic way

In autumn 2025, Helsingin aikuisopisto launched a series of free wellbeing lectures for seniors. Several organisations have come to our building to talk about wellbeing topics and their activities. Our guest speakers have included Selkäliitto (the Finnish Back Association), Töölön Martat, the Finnish Red Cross friend activities, Luustoliitto (the Finnish Osteoporosis Association) and Helsingin muistiyhdistys (the Helsinki Memory Association). Before the lectures, we have offered participants a short exercise break. If you have not been able to attend our lectures, here is a short summary for you.

Whether the focus has been on back health, bone health or looking after your memory, the experts have highlighted the basics as the key pillars of wellbeing: varied exercise and diet, good sleep, mental wellbeing, social relationships and a positive attitude. Alcohol and smoking, on the other hand, are best avoided. The good news is that by taking care of these basic pillars, we can significantly influence our quality of life, prevent problems and reduce the effects of existing challenges!

Hanna Kääriäinen from Selkäliitto said that 80% of adults experience back pain during their lifetime. Fortunately, it is only rarely a question of back disease. 90% of back pain has a good prognosis but recurs easily. Risk factors include being overweight, smoking, lack of exercise and psychosocial factors. Overall wellbeing therefore also supports back health. Exercise is also an important part of pain management once the acute phase of the pain has eased. Being active in everyday life is a good start. It is worth moving despite moderate pain. The best form of exercise is one you enjoy and do regularly. You can find more detailed exercise instructions in the recommendations of the UKK Institute and on Selkäliitto’s Selkäkanava channel, for example.

Ansa Holm from Luustoliitto lectured on bone health and Eerika Tiirikainen led bone-strengthening exercise. The skeleton is not only the body’s supporting frame that enables movement and protects the internal organs: it also acts as a calcium store and takes part in hormone function and the regulation of metabolism. Blood cells and the T and B cells of the immune system are formed in the bone marrow. Bone density decreases with age, and 44% of people aged 65 and over have reduced bone density. The risks of osteoporosis and falls increase. Warning signs include fractures in everyday situations, a loss of more than 4 cm in height, a stooped posture and back pain. However, the skeleton renews itself in 10 years, and we can also influence our bone health by, for example, eating a varied diet and getting enough calcium, protein and vitamin D. Exercise is essential for the skeleton and muscle strength. Luustoliitto offers bone health advice and support in preventing falls.

According to Jari Jokiluhta from Helsingin muistiyhdistys, one in three people report some kind of memory symptom. In Finland, 23,500 people develop a memory disorder every year, and around 3,000 people of working age have a progressive memory disorder. A significant proportion still go undiagnosed. With age, memorising slows down, recalling becomes more difficult, activities that require initiative and effort weaken, and the impact of situational factors increases. Retaining information in memory, recall based on cues and recognition, and the ability to learn are preserved. It is therefore worth using your brain in varied ways, learning new things and staying active in different ways. It is worth having your memory examined if coping with everyday life is difficult and changes in memory, mood or personality worry you or your loved ones. Problems are often hidden, which allows them to accumulate. Helsingin muistiyhdistys offers information and support.

The lecture series continues in November and December. On 17 November, HelsinkiMissio will lecture on preventing loneliness and strengthening community. On 1 December, we will hear about the content of the Mielenterveystalo.fi online service. During the active wellbeing sessions on 17 November and 1 December, we will make Christmas cards. The lecture series will end on 15 December with safety and preparedness training based on the national 72-hour preparedness recommendations. So come and hear about community and compassion, mental wellbeing and preparing for emergencies!

Please note that all the lectures are in Finnish.

Thank you to all our partners and everyone who has attended the lecture series. At the last lecture, we will draw a €50 gift card for our courses.

Let us take care of our own wellbeing and that of our loved ones in a holistic way. Everyday choices make a big difference!

Text: Lauha Halonen, Project Worker, Helsingin aikuisopisto