Niarchos Foundation Launches Hub to Improve Quality of Life For Elderly

by · Greek City Times

The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre (SNFCC) has launched the SNFCC Active Aging Hub, an initiative designed to improve the quality of life of older people through accessible cultural, sporting, social and educational activities and services.

As the first step in the initiative, the National Centre for Social Research (EKKE) conducted a study on behalf of the SNFCC examining the activities, participation and quality of life of people aged 65 and over in Greece. NN Hellas supported the research and continues to contribute to the implementation of the programme, according to an SNFCC announcement.

What the EKKE research revealed about people aged 65 and over

The research highlights cultural participation as an important factor in social inclusion, psychological wellbeing and quality of life among people aged 65 and over.

It also shows that older people do not form a homogeneous group. Instead, they have different participation profiles shaped by social, economic, demographic and geographical factors.

The study identifies several significant barriers to participation, including accessibility problems, financial constraints, inadequate information and difficulties with transport.

It also stresses the need for more inclusive and participatory cultural policies that encourage creative expression, social interaction and the active involvement of older people in social and cultural life.

Drawing on these findings, the SNFCC is expanding its programmes and services for older people and developing a strategy that responds to their needs while promoting healthy and active ageing.

Programme of activities for the coming months

The SNFCC has announced the following programme of activities for the coming months.

Meet in the Park

Walk in Stavros Niarchos Park

The walks take place at Stavros Niarchos Park. Participation is free, with advance registration required. The activity primarily targets people aged 65 and over but welcomes all age groups.

Dates:

  • Thursday, 19 November 2026, 10:00–11:30
  • Thursday, 3 December 2026, 10:00–11:30
  • Thursday, 10 December 2026, 10:00–11:30
  • Thursday, 17 December 2026, 10:00–11:30
  • Thursday, 21 January 2027, 10:00–11:30
  • Thursday, 28 January 2027, 10:00–11:30
  • Thursday, 11 February 2027, 10:00–11:30
  • Thursday, 25 February 2027, 10:00–11:30
  • Thursday, 4 March 2027, 10:00–11:30
  • Thursday, 11 March 2027, 10:00–11:30
  • Thursday, 18 March 2027, 10:00–11:30
  • Thursday, 1 April 2027, 10:00–11:30
  • Thursday, 8 April 2027, 10:00–11:30
  • Thursday, 15 April 2027, 10:00–11:30
  • Thursday, 22 April 2027, 10:00–11:30
  • Thursday, 13 May 2027, 10:00–11:30
  • Thursday, 20 May 2027, 10:00–11:30
  • Thursday, 27 May 2027, 10:00–11:30
  • Thursday, 3 June 2027, 10:00–11:30
  • Thursday, 10 June 2027, 10:00–11:30

Walk in Stavros Niarchos Park: Memory and the Senses

This activity also takes place at Stavros Niarchos Park, with free participation.

Dates:

  • Tuesday, 10 November 2026, 11:00
  • Tuesday, 15 December 2026, 11:00
  • January–May 2027: Further dates will be announced shortly.

Sport and wellbeing

Bodies in Motion

The activity takes place at the National Library of Greece’s Book Tower. Participation is free, with advance registration required. Although primarily intended for people aged 65 and over, it welcomes all ages.

Dates:

  • Thursday, 10 December 2026, 10:00–12:00
  • Monday, 15 February 2027, 10:00–12:00
  • Thursday, 11 March 2027, 10:00–12:00
  • Thursday, 8 April 2027, 10:00–12:00
  • Thursday, 13 May 2027, 10:00–12:00

Time to Dance!

The activity takes place at the SNFCC Reception Area. Participation is free, with advance registration required, and welcomes all ages.

Date: Wednesday, 16 December 2026, 17:00.

Exercise, Memory and Balance

This activity takes place on the SNFCC running track. Participation is free and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. It primarily targets people aged 65 and over but welcomes all ages.

Schedule: Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 10:00–10:50.

Exercise Consultant

The SNFCC running track also hosts this free service, which operates on a first-come, first-served basis. It welcomes all ages, with particular emphasis on people aged 65 and over.

Schedule: Every Monday to Friday, 07:00–10:00.

Tai Chi

Participants can join free Tai Chi sessions at two SNFCC locations:

  • The Clearing: Every Saturday, 08:30–09:45.
  • The Running Track: Every Wednesday, 19:00–20:15.

Participation operates on a first-come, first-served basis. The activity primarily targets people aged 65 and over but welcomes all ages.

Digital empowerment

The SNFCC continues its beginner computer courses and memory-enhancement classes for the tenth consecutive year.

The programmes emphasise practical exercises and personalised support, helping participants use technology with greater confidence and independence.

Basic Computer Skills

Location: Computer Room 2, second floor, National Library of Greece.

The course, titled Basic Computer Skills, targets people taking their first steps in the digital world as well as those wishing to strengthen their existing knowledge and abilities.

Organisers divide participants into two groups according to their familiarity with computers. Although the programme primarily targets people aged 65 and over, it welcomes all ages.

Memory Enhancement Through Computers

Location: Computer Room 2, second floor, National Library of Greece.

Through interactive applications, computer exercises and games, participants explore modern approaches to mental training while strengthening their memory and other cognitive skills.

The programme primarily targets people aged 65 and over but remains open to all ages.

Creative workshops

Creative Atelier

The Creative Atelier begins on Wednesday, 18 November 2026, and continues every Wednesday at 10:00 at the SNFCC Reception Area.

Participation is free, with advance registration required.

The SNFCC invites older people to take part in a regular creative gathering that introduces different materials and offers opportunities for experimentation and artistic expression. The activity welcomes all ages, although it primarily targets people aged 65 and over.

Diavasi programme with the Eugenides Foundation

The Diavasi programme takes place on Monday, 29 March 2027, from 10:30 to 13:30.

Participation is free, with advance registration required.

The programme offers participants an introduction to astronomy and the history of the Earth through activities at two neighbouring institutions: the SNFCC and the Eugenides Foundation.

Although primarily intended for people aged 65 and over, it welcomes all age groups.

Intergenerational programme

Stories That Connect Us

Running from February to May 2027, this intergenerational programme brings younger and older participants together through stories, memories and personal narratives.

By sharing their experiences, participants will jointly create material for a collaborative performance. The SNFCC will announce further details shortly.

The Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) serves as the SNFCC’s Major Donor.

Further information is available at www.snfcc.org/active-aging-hub/.

(Source: AMNA)

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