Hämeenlinna’s Elderly Citizens Council actively involved in Elderly Week 2026

The Hämeenlinna Elderly Citizens Council took an active part in planning and organizing the city’s Elderly Week events. The week began on Monday, 5 October, with the traditional opening event at Hämeenlinna Library. As chair of the Elderly Citizens Council, I had the honour of officially opening Hämeenlinna’s Elderly Week. The event opened with a performance by the singing group Tuhti, followed later by the theatre group Hulvattomat. During the event, the 2026 Elder Deed of the Year award was presented, this year going to Hämeenlinnan Seudun Omaishoitajat ry (the Hämeenlinna Region Family Carers Association). The association has carried out important and long-term work on behalf of family carers looking after their ageing relatives. At the Library, texts from a writing challenge for older people were also read aloud, in which writers shared meaningful memories from their youth.

On Tuesday, 6 October, a panel discussion was held on the theme of everyday encounters. Before the discussion, and as an interlude, the singing duo Sini&Simi performed. The panellists were strategy director Markku Rimpelä from the City of Hämeenlinna; librarian Marja Käkelä from Hämeenlinna Library; deaconess Seija Puusaari from the Hämeenlinna-Vanaja Parish; city gardener Riitta Kalliokoski from the City of Hämeenlinna; and Tapani Vuolle from K-Supermarket Hätilä. Drawing on their respective fields, the panellists shared their own everyday encounters with older people and recalled memorable moments from their experiences with elderly individuals. The topic sparked lively discussion and questions from the audience. The event was hosted by Jaakko Lindén.

On Wednesday, 7 October, a small group gathered to hear a presentation by Timo Korpinen, director of the Family Counselling Centre of the Hämeenlinna-Vanaja Parish, on the topic “Relationships and Ageing.” The presentation covered the subject from many angles and sparked lively discussion among those present. Relationships change over different periods of life. A successful relationship requires trust, understanding, the ability to forgive, and love, among other things. The topic was engaging and gave rise to much reflection.

The week’s final event explored the connection between nature and wellbeing. The event was opened by Ulla Pullola, and began with nature-themed songs sung together under the guidance of the singing group Tuhti. Arttu Hallberg from the Finnish Environment Institute SYKLI gave a presentation on the importance of nature for wellbeing. Hämeenlinna’s Sports and Wellbeing Manager Jari Pekuri spoke about the city’s wellbeing, health, and safety plan. The connection between nature and wellbeing is clear. Participants spoke about, among other things, the importance of trees and Hämeenlinna’s excellent natural surroundings, which also include its parks and gardens. Through Jari Pekuri, participants sent wishes and greetings to the city’s planning department and to the working group updating the nature programme.

Several other events were also held in Hämeenlinna during Elderly Week, organised by groups including Volunteer Centre Pysäkki, the Hämeenlinna-Vanaja Parish, and active volunteers from the Renko Adventure Trail. On behalf of the Elderly Citizens Council, I would like to thank everyone who took part in preparing and running the Elderly Week events, and wish everyone many good everyday encounters in the future.

Author: Kirsti Suoranta, Chair of the Elderly Citizens Council