Karate, dance and music – we visited three service centre activity groups. They provide participants with opportunities for recreation, interaction and learning new things while adding rhythm to their everyday lives.
Ichi, ni, ichi, ni. These Japanese numbers accompany snappy punches and kicks in the assembly hall of Töölö Service Centre, where an Okinawan karate activity group has just started their weekly session. The group supervisor, Tapani, clad in a black karate outfit, instructs the participants on the correct techniques. The group, which convenes on Fridays, welcomes everyone, regardless of fitness level.
I’m compelled to pull some of the participants' sleeves and ask – why karate?
“I just recently heard about the karate group at the service centre gym and decided to come by and try something different. Focusing on the movements is grounding,” says Helvi.
Another participant, Kyllikki, also wanted to try something new and exciting.
“This felt like a good fit for me. Karate is a body-opening and limb-moving exercise. We have such an inspiring teacher that it's a joy to watch him and follow his instructions,” Kyllikki says.
Helvi and Kyllikki participate in a wide range of activities at the service centre and encourage others to get involved as well.
“I’m sure everyone can find their own form of exercise or other activity group at the service centre. Come one, come all, we have a lot of fun and a lively atmosphere here,” Kyllikki says.
On Wednesdays, the karate chops give way to ethereal music and soft movement in the same assembly hall. The creative dance group does not focus on complex choreography, but instead on listening to your body and immersing yourself in the rhythm of the music.
For Tuula, one of the participants, what makes the group special is the couple supervising it:
“I think they are so cute. And the music that they use is somehow so wonderful. It's nice to realise that you can still learn new things.”
Next to her, another participant, Soile, nods in agreement. She is happy about the encounters facilitated by the service centre:
“I used to be in the yoga group, where I got to meet a lot of new people. I've also bumped into old colleagues and other people I know,” Soile says.
The captivating tunes continue at Riistavuori Service Centre in Etelä-Haaga. At the ‘Mukaan musiikkiin’ music group on Fridays, participants get to sing evergreen songs, do body and voice exercises and play rhythmic percussion instruments. The group supervisor, community musician Anu, emphasises the holistic benefits of music: it brings joy, improves memory and brings people together.
Pirjo, one of the participants, has been participating since last autumn and has loved it:
“You get to meet like-minded people and enjoy a varied programme, with all kinds of music. Every session is refreshing,” Pirjo sums up.
For Pirjo, the most memorable sessions have been the performances that the group organised for the residents of Riistavuori Senior Centre. The next performance is already in the pipeline: in May, the Centre will celebrate its 60th anniversary.
“I hope that the performances have brought joy to the residents, because we at least have had a lot of fun. In the group you don't have to be nervous about performing, you just go and do it,” Pirjo says.
The service centre plays an important role in people’s everyday lives. People like Raili, who is not only participating in the music group, but also supervises a poetry group and takes part in a discussion club, for example.
“Yes, I plan my own schedule to allow time for the groups. I’ve encouraged many people I know to join, too. Some have had reservations, saying that ‘I'm not going to come to a place for old people like this.’ But afterwards they’ve said that it was definitely worth it.”
