Kyrgyzstan fair promotes healthy aging and celebrates senior artisans

Elderly self-help groups from across Kyrgyzstan gather in Bishkek to share crafts, health knowledge, and cultural traditions

BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan (MNTV) — A public fair promoting healthy aging and social inclusion is taking place in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, where senior citizens from across the country are showcasing their crafts and participating in wellness activities.

According to 24.kg, the fair, titled “From Heart to Heart”, is being held near the monument to Kurmanjan Datka and features around 40 self-help groups of elderly participants from Bishkek, Chui, and Issyk-Kul regions. Attendees are displaying felt and wool crafts, traditional souvenirs, and other handmade goods that reflect the country’s cultural heritage.

Beyond craft exhibitions, the fair promotes active and healthy aging through a range of activities, including Nordic walking demonstrations, first aid workshops, and consultations on nutrition and disease prevention. Informational booths offer guidance on managing non-communicable and infectious diseases, while experts from the Ministry of Health provide on-site medical advice.

A traditional chess tournament, live music, and master classes in patchwork and artistic dish painting add to the event’s cultural offerings. Visitors can also participate in a quiz on healthy eating, aimed at raising awareness about nutrition as a key element of long-term well-being.

While the Ministry of Labor, Social Security and Migration helped organize the fair, the event was developed in collaboration with several public organizations. Organizers say the focus is on community participation and empowering elderly citizens—not only to stay active, but to take pride in their knowledge and contributions to Kyrgyz society.

The initiative comes amid broader efforts in Central Asia to improve social services for aging populations and ensure that older adults remain integrated into public life.