Where can elderly people find communication? About a year ago, a branch of "Active Longevity" opened in Bishkek as part of the gerontological center "Ardager," which operates under the auspices of the Department of Social Development of the capital's mayor's office. Here, retirees can participate for free in language courses, yoga classes, singing, dancing, and even clothing restoration. Since its inception, the branch has attracted hundreds of older participants. The study of the Kyrgyz language is particularly in demand. The programs are led by the branch doctor, the director of the NGO "Socium," psychiatrist-narcologist Batma Estebesova, and social worker Erkinay Kalakulova. Correspondents from Kaktus.media visited the center and learned more about the lives of the beneficiaries of "Active Longevity."
With the Involvement of the First Participants
The space, consisting of three small rooms, was not large, but the elderly people were grateful for the opportunity to communicate and develop. How did it all begin? A year ago, this place was empty. Baktygul Ismailova, the then director of the Department of Social Development, reached out to the NGO "Socium" with a request to help launch courses for elderly people and develop the direction of active longevity.She shared that she often argued with her husband on various issues until she learned to use ChatGPT in the courses at the branch. "Now, when we start discussing something, I turn to my smart assistant - ChatGPT. And my husband says, 'You are so smart.' I reply, 'It's ChatGPT that is smart.' Thus, our center has become everything we can get in the field of communication and education," Baktygul noted, expressing gratitude to the organizers of "Active Longevity."
The director of the NGO "Socium" added: "I see how the eyes of our participants light up when they come to the branch. Despite the distances and time costs, they practice qigong, therapeutic exercises, sing, and communicate. This is invaluable experience." According to her, there are no large accessible institutions in Bishkek offering similar services for elderly people near their places of residence. The opening of such centers could demonstrate the state's care for elderly citizens.
The branch is located at: Chuy Avenue, 40 (entrance from the west side of the CSM No. 4 building).
