ESPOO MAGAZINE 1/2017

PEARL
A NEW MEETING
PLACE FOR SENIOR
CITIZENS
THE LEPPÄVAARA LIFE AND LIVING
CENTRE has been a veritable hive of
activity since it opened its doors in
late March. The daytime activity facilities
in the service centre on the
first floor are being used by an arts
and crafts group, while others are
doing a morning workout in the adjacent
gym. At the same time, a local
senior citizens’ association is holding
a meeting in the recreational room
across the hall.
AT LUNCHTIME, the centre’s dining
hall fills with customers. In addition
to the senior citizens who live in the
centre, other local residents also
come to the dining hall for lunch. Outside
dining hours, the space can be
used for various events and activities
for senior citizens, such as parties,
dances and sing-alongs.
THE ACTIVITIES organised at the service
centre are open to all Espoo residents
free of charge. The staff encourage
the centre’s residents and visitors
to not only participate in activities,
but also play an active role in their
development. Family members are
also welcome, and there has been talk
in the centre about creating cross-generational
groups to engage in various
hobbies and physical exercise.
THE BUILDING’S RESIDENTS live
full lives in a home-like environment.
There are 140 small apartments
in the building for residents
requiring various levels of support
and care. Significant focus is placed
on making the premises cosy and
comfortable, which is easy to see on
every floor of the building. For example,
the common areas include
easy chairs, television sets and selfservice
kitchens.
THE LEPPÄVAARA Life and Living
Centre is the second of its kind, with
the first one having been opened
in Kauklahti in 2012. Similar hubs
for senior citizens’ activities and
housing have also been planned for
other areas, such as Matinkylä and
Tapiola.
Life and Living Centres
for Senior Citizens
Leppävaara, Säterinkatu 3
Kauklahti, Hansakartano 4
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