On 8 October 2024, Bialystok's senior citizens once again began studying at the Faculty of Health Sciences of the Medical University of Bialystok, where the inauguration ceremony of this year's - now the 12th - edition of the Healthy Senior University (HSU) took place.
This is a joint initiative of the Faculty of Health Sciences of the MUB, the ‘Pro Salute’ Association and the Municipal Office in Bialystok.
Inauguration og the 12th edition
To be a good and brave student at the University of Healthy Seniors, to attend classes diligently and participate actively, to be kind to other students, and to follow new medical developments and systematically improve their knowledge in order to use it to strengthen their health - these are the words of the oath that the senior students solemnly took before the Dean's Authorities of the Faculty of Health Sciences.
In the 2024/2025 academic year, 50 Bialystok residents aged 60 and over will participate in the Healthy Senior University. Workshops and exercises are held twice a month and are led by MUB academics.
I am interested in health-related topics, including the health of senior citizens, i.e. my own health. I want to learn as much as possible, to take advantage of the opportunity to acquire knowledge, which is offered to us pensioners by the University and the city authorities,' said a programme participant, Ms Walentyna Mochamet, before the ceremony.
‘I am eager for knowledge, but I prefer news from a verified source and not from ‘Dr Google’. And if I have the chance to acquire such knowledge from MUB scientists, then that is what I need,’ added a student of the Healthy Senior University, Mr Sławomir Bastacz.
About the Healthy Senior programme
The Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at MUB, Professor Sławomir Terlikowski, congratulated the seniors on their decision to join the initiative. 'You have a lot of challenges ahead of you - you will be given your student books, and then you will have to tackle a variety of subjects, such as physiology or prevention. It is also worthwhile for you to pass on the medical knowledge you have acquired at home,’ encouraged the Dean.
The programme of the Healthy Senior University includes topics on first aid, measuring blood sugar, caring for the vocal cords and the prevention of cancer and cardiovascular disease. Participants will have access to lectures on patient rights and eye diseases, as well as practical classes such as computer skills, healthy eating and Nordic walking.
Dr Joanna Fiłon from the MUB Faculty of Health Sciences, coordinator of the Healthy Senior University, emphasises that students were also able to influence the topics of the classes, which increased their involvement.
The Municipal Office in Bialystok continous supporting the HSU
The Head of the Department of Social Affairs at the Bialystok City Hall, Adam Kurluta, pointed out that the city supports this initiative because of its crucial importance for the health of seniors. In his view, it is important for older people to be aware of their health challenges and to be able to address them wisely, for example by drawing on the knowledge and experience of MUB researchers.
Thanks to the activities at the University, they can lead a healthy, joyful and energetic life, including in the social sphere, added Chief Kurluta.
Today's inauguration of the 12th edition of the Healthy Senior University was attended by the Deputy Mayor of Bialystok Marek Masalski.
Tuition at the Healthy Senior University is free and the programme is very popular, with 540 graduates to date, including the oldest student at 91 years old. The university aims to promote healthy lifestyles, increase knowledge in the field of healthcare and tackle loneliness among older people.
Detailed information on the Healthy Senior University can be found at www.umb.edu.pl/uzs .
