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“Knowledge for Health,” an initiative of the Science and Research Centre Koper (ZRS Koper), has for 15 years been raising awareness about the consequences of unhealthy lifestyles and cardiovascular diseases in a way that is accessible and understandable to the general public.
This year, with a similar event on 1 October, we are joining the European Association of Professors Emeriti (EAPE) in marking World Senior Citizens’ Day. The EAPE has established a strong tradition of marking this day with events taking place in various European cities and beyond, bringing together retired professors, academic institutions, public bodies, and local communities to address the challenges and opportunities associated with ageing. This year, a network of events is being organized to mark this occasion, celebrating the theme of longevity in Sarajevo, Frascineto, Naples, Messina, Košice, Maribor, and Koper.
The traditional event in Koper, organized annually by the Institute for Kinesiological Research ZRS Koper in collaboration with Izola General Hospital, will this year be joined by the Laboratory for Linguistic and Social Innovation ZRS Koper.
“Population ageing and the growing gap between life expectancy and the number of years lived in good health call for a shift from reactive treatment towards comprehensive prevention (Health in All Policies) and a personalised approach to healthy longevity. Extending healthy life expectancy (healthspan) depends on interdisciplinary integration of advanced diagnostics, artificial intelligence and digital technologies with physical activity, nutrition, sleep, mental health and broader social inclusion. In the future, a key role will be played by specialised multidisciplinary centres for active and healthy ageing, enabling the early identification of ageing trajectories and individually tailored preventive interventions,” says Prof. Rado Pišot, PhD, Director of ZRS Koper and one of the initiators of the event.
Programme – 1 October 2026, Koper
Between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., Centre for Humanities, Tiepolo Gravisi Palace (Kreljeva Street 6, Koper)
Measurements of physical characteristics, functional abilities and health risk factors. Participants will be able to assess their cardiovascular, muscular and cognitive health through simple yet relevant tests.
At 7 p.m., ZRS Centre for Humanities, Tiepolo Gravisi Palace (Kreljeva Street 6, Koper):
Opening remarks by Prof. Emeritus Giancarlo Bracale, President of EAPE, and Prof. Rado Pišot, PhD, Director of ZRS Koper, will take place in the Santorio-Santorio Hall and will be followed by a discussion and exchange of views on longevity through a healthy, creative and active lifestyle. The event will be hosted and led by the initiators of ‘Knowledge for Health’, Prof. Rado Pišot and Assoc. Prof. Mladen Gasparini, PhD.
The speakers, leading experts in their fields, will help answer the question of how to achieve longevity. They will present several perspectives on this topic:
• Prof. Lucija Čok, PhD (LangLab ZRS Koper): Learning a New Language in Later Life as Cognitive Training.
• Assoc. Prof. Mojca Gabrijelčič Blenkuš, MD, PhD (NIJZ): Healthy Longevity: A Shared Responsibility.
• Prof. Boštjan Šimunič, PhD (ZRS Koper): Muscles for Life: A Key to Healthy Longevity.
• Tinkara Ravnikar, MD (SB Izola): Cardiovascular Health and Longevity.
Admission is free, and the event is open to all generations.
Partners and supporting institutions: Science and Research Centre Koper (ZRS Koper), Izola General Hospital, European Association of Professors Emeriti (EAPE), Municipality of Koper, Koper Day Activity Centre, Koper University of the Third Age.