In its rationale for the The Senior Citizen Act of the Year award, the City of Lahti’s Elderly Council states that the event has strengthened an age-friendly urban culture, fostered a sense of community, and brought older adults to the forefront through their own efforts. The Rollator Walk has shown that the joy of movement, participation, and doing things together belong to everyone.
– The walk is proof that even a small step can be a great achievement when taken together. Age-friendliness isn’t just a word, it’s actions that are visible and tangible. Events like this encourage participation and remind us that every step is valuable, explains Marketta Iso-Kuortti, a member of the Elderly Council.
The Lahti Elderly Council thanks the group that organized the Rollator Walk for their cooperation and for fostering a sense of community. The Rollator Walk was organized in collaboration with the PalveluSantra network, which works with older adults – specifically the Päijät-Häme Welfare Services Development Association, the Päijät-Häme Memory Association, Lahti Neighbors’ Service Association, the Päijät-Häme Family Caregivers Association, the parishes of Lahti, the Finnish Diaconia Institute, the Lahti Diaconal Institution, volunteers, and the Lahti Elderly Council and Disability Council.
The Lahti Elderly Council for the presents the Senior Citizen Act of the Year award annually. This year, the award was presented during the Senior Citizens’ Week celebration on October 8 at the Church of the Cross. The Rollator March has also previously been recognized as the Lahti City Center Initiative of 2026.
-
Heidi Kirkonpelto