The Municipality of Rhodes’ Senior Citizens’ Center (KAPI) is launching a new program of activities covering exercise, culture, lifelong learning, creative pursuits, and social support, with the participation of professionals, instructors, and partner organizations.
In the area of exercise and wellness, the program includes the following:
- Physical Education: with Physical Education teacher Vangelis Kariophylakis, in collaboration with the Municipality of Rhodes Sports Department.
- Wellness: led by Chrysanthi Hatzis, a nurse and deputy head of the Department of Public Health Protection and Promotion.
- “I Listen to My Body”: with Haroula Maloina, physical therapist at KAPI.
- “Whatever I Feel Needs Space” – Inner Listening Workshop: with psychologists Maria Koutsafa and Anna Bardaka.
- “Mind in Action”: with psychologists Anna Arfara and Nikos Kalogirou.
As part of lifelong learning and cultural enrichment, the following are offered:
- Italian Language Courses: with Professor Filippo Italia, in collaboration with the Hellenic Cultural Center of Rhodes.
- French Language Courses: with Theoni Topa, professor of French literature and member of KAPI.
- “Dodecanese Folk Songs—Principles, Values, and Models” Group: led by philologist Panagiota Vlachou.
- Traditional Dances: with dance instructor Irini Palala (in collaboration with the Federation of Dodecanese Community Associations) and dance instructor Ioannis Lentakis (in collaboration with the Rhodes Hellenic Cultural Association).
- Latin & Ballroom Class and Zeibekiko Lessons: with Voula Goraniti.
At the same time, the program promotes creative expression and recreation through the following activities:
- Iconography/Painting: with artist and President of the Dodecanese Artists’ Association Stamatia Stergenaki.
- Mosaic Art: with Stamatia Stergenaki, in collaboration with Aegean Skills of the University of the Aegean and the Region of South Aegean.
- Handicrafts: with KAPI member Eleni Grouitsi.
- Jewelry Group: with members Anastasia Sotrilli and Anastasios Sotirakis.
- “Growing Up with Art”: with art historian and special advisor to the Mayor of Rhodes on cultural matters, Polly Hatzimarkou.
- “Teenagers at Heart” Theater Group: featuring director Susanna Kardoulia, President of the Local Community of Rhodes, and texts by author Zoe Kontogiannou.
- “Let’s Read Together”: with Anastasia Diakostavrianou.
- Online Memory Games: in collaboration with Panakeia.
Finally, support and creative engagement services are provided, including the Self-Help and Support Group for Caregivers of People with Dementia with journalist and publisher Evridiki Kovani, the “I Learn About You Through Myself” program with social worker Mika Panagou, as well as an occupational therapy program led by occupational therapist Katerina Efthymiu.