Physical activity benefits people at every stage of life. The participants of the Zielona Góra University of the Third Age know this well. To further promote an active lifestyle among older adults, a cooperation agreement has been signed with the Academic Sports Association of the University of Zielona Góra (AZS UZ).
The agreement is expected to bring numerous benefits. As Dr. Bartłomiej Hes, Vice-President of the Board of the University Club of the Academic Sports Association at the University of Zielona Góra, explains: “The cooperation will focus on expert support and primarily on promoting physical activity among older adults. We will be able to organize classes for seniors here at the university. The sessions will be conducted by coaches and instructors from our university club. These will be developmental and fitness-enhancing activities for participants of the Zielona Góra University of the Third Age.”
At the same time, students will have the opportunity to gain practical experience by conducting classes for older adults. As Dr. Hes adds: “We offer a degree program in Physical Education, as well as a specialization in physical activity for seniors. Certainly, many of our students will be able to lead such classes in the future.”
The seniors themselves are very pleased with this cooperation. Zofia Banaszak, President of the Board of the Zielona Góra University of the Third Age, explains: “What do we expect from this cooperation? Seniors expect fitness, health, intergenerational trips, and the organization of various initiatives related to senior activity. Our University of the Third Age already offers many physical fitness classes, but I believe AZS UZ will introduce us to some new ideas as well.”
The President also highlights what seniors can contribute in return: “What can we offer students and instructors? I believe we can offer them satisfaction. We do not have to divide generations—we can do wonderful things together and get to know one another. For example, we have the idea of organizing a ski trip. Perhaps we will ski a little more slowly than the young academics, but we can do it together, and that is what matters.”
As Dawid Piechowiak, Director of the AZS UZ Club Office, notes: “Demographic trends are clear. Our society is aging, and we believe our seniors deserve a modern and engaging approach to physical activity. This includes discovering disciplines they may not have had the opportunity to try before.”
He adds: “The framework program is broad. We will implement activities based on demand and available funding. Plans include regular classes, trips, multidisciplinary events, sports competitions, and tourism. The possibilities are truly extensive.”
Students of the University of Zielona Góra have already had the opportunity to test their skills in sports activities with seniors. As D. Piechowiak recalls: “We organized a pilot event in November last year. It received tremendous interest from seniors—we gathered 130 participants who tried various activities. These included laser shooting and mini golf, disciplines not commonly encountered or easily accessible. The seniors had a great time, which inspired us to expand this cooperation.”
On behalf of AZS UZ, the agreement was signed by Dr. hab. Eng. Sławomir Kłos, President of the Board, and Dr. Bartłomiej Hes, Vice-President of the Board. The Zielona Góra University of the Third Age was represented by Zofia Banaszak, President of the Board, and Barbara Miller, Treasurer of the Board.
