Μake us preferred on Google The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC) in the seaside suburb of Palio Faliro, Athens, has launched a new initiative aimed at promoting healthy and active aging through a wide range of fitness, social, and educational activities.
The SNFCC Active Aging Hub seeks to improve the quality of life of older adults by encouraging physical activity, mental well-being, creativity, and social interaction through accessible programs and services. Activities range from guided walks and Tai Chi sessions to dance, art workshops, digital literacy classes, and memory-enhancement exercises.
What’s On at the SNFCC Active Aging Hub
Photo: Giannis Kouskoutis
– A Stroll in the Park: Running from November 19 to June 10, the program invites older adults to enjoy a leisurely walk through Stavros Niarchos Park, meet new people and socialize. Sessions take place from 10am to 11.30am.
– A Walk in Stavros Niarchos Park: Memory and Senses: Starting December 15 and continuing through May 2027, this interactive guided walk engages the senses of touch, smell, sight, and hearing to encourage cognitive and physical stimulation. Organized in collaboration with Alzheimer Athens, the program is aimed at adults aged 60 and over. Registration is required.
– Bodies in Motion: Beginning December 10 and running through May 13, this workshop combines movement with creative expression. Sessions take place from 10am to noon at the National Library of Greece Book Tower. Advance booking is required.
– Time to Dance! On December 16 at 5pm, the SNFCC Reception Area becomes a dance floor, inviting older adults to enjoy music, movement, and socializing. No previous dance experience is necessary. Registration is required.
– Exercise, Memory, and Balance: Held every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10am to 10.50am on the running track, this program combines physical activity with cognitive exercises. It is designed both for those interested in maintaining mental fitness and individuals experiencing memory or other cognitive difficulties. Participation is on a first-come, first-served basis.
– Fitness Advisor: Physical education instructors offer guidance on aerobic exercise, muscle strengthening, flexibility, and recovery routines every weekday from 7am to 10am on the running track. Participation is open on a first-come, first-served basis.
– Tai Chi: Sessions take place every Saturday from 8.30am to 9.45am at the Open Clearing (Xefoto) and every Wednesday from 7pm to 8.15pm on the running track. Participation is free on a first-come, first-served basis.
– Digital Empowerment: Beginner-friendly workshops aimed at helping older adults develop digital skills and use technology with greater confidence and independence. One-hour sessions take place on Mondays and Wednesdays through February. Advance booking is required.
– Memory Enhancement via Computers: Held on Tuesday and Thursday mornings through February at Computer Lab 2, this program uses interactive applications, exercises, and computer games to stimulate participants’ memory and strengthen cognitive skills.
– Art Workshops: Starting November 18, weekly Wednesday sessions at 10am in the SNFCC Reception Area invite participants to explore different artistic techniques, experiment with materials, and create small projects. Participation is free with advance booking.
Alongside the new initiative, the SNFCC has commissioned a study by the National Center for Social Research (EKKE) examining the activities, social participation, and quality of life of older adults in Greece. The research is supported by NN Hellas, which also contributes to the implementation of the hub’s activities. Lumidis Papagalos is the founding sponsor of the SNFCC Active Aging Hub.
Marking World Alzheimer’s Day in September, the SNFCC hosted the Festival Alzheimer 2026 as part of efforts to raise awareness.
