On April 18, the amateur artists of Astana’s Active Longevity Center embarked on a cultural trip to the city of Akkol, located about 100 kilometers from the capital.
Akkol, part of the Akmola Region, is considered one of Kazakhstan’s first smart cities, with fully digitalized infrastructure. With a population exceeding 15,000, the city’s well-established infrastructure is its main advantage.
The primary goal of the Astana retirees’ tour to Akkol was to present the work of the Active Longevity Center, promote a healthy lifestyle among the elderly, and share experiences to encourage active aging in a technologically developed community.
During the meeting with Akkol residents, Director of the Active Longevity Center Mukhtar Erketaev shared his views on the development of such centers, improving the quality of life for older people, and creating a supportive social environment for pensioners.
The talented senior performers presented a concert lasting over 1.5 hours. The program featured the “Esil Tolkynдары” veterans’ ensemble, the “Asyl Mura” dombra players, the stylish grandmother group “Kerbez_models,” the “Ademi Dauir” dance troupe, as well as traditional singers and dancers.
The performers presented songs such as “Arayly Astana,” “Atameken,” “Zhauyngerler Ani,” “Edil men Zhaiyk,” and “Den Pobedy,” played kuis like “Erke Sylkym” and “Balbyrauyn,” and danced to pieces like “Zhailauda” and “Siniy Platochek,” among other creative acts.
“The concert from Astana involved five artistic groups and several solo performers. The program ‘Greetings from the Homeland!’ was dedicated to the upcoming May holidays and the 30th anniversary of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan. The Akkol audience welcomed us warmly. They especially loved the fashionable grandmothers of ‘Kerbez_models’ and the singers, dombra players, and dancers,” said cultural organizer Gulshat Alekeshkyzy.
Art lovers gathered at the district cultural center. Akkol residents warmly received the visiting artists and expressed heartfelt gratitude.
“It was a wonderful concert, and the audience really enjoyed it. We demonstrated that even in retirement, one can actively participate in community life and age gracefully. If such initiatives are supported in Akkol as well, it would be a great step forward,” said Kenzhebolat Bapishev, Head of the Social Services Department of the Saryarka District.
Local authorities and honored veterans of Akkol expressed their appreciation and noted that this experience could serve as a model for their community too.
The concert brought joy and inspiration to the people of Akkol.
