Leena Hänninen, 75, is an active person in terms of voluntary work. During her working years, Hänninen was a founder and leader of a voluntary work center in Jyväskylä. After retirement, she has not had too many moments without activities. “Through volunteer work I have had a soft landing to retirement”, Leena describes. 

As working as the president of a Finnish pensioner organization, Hänninen knows that especially men could be encouraged more to participate in volunteering when they are about to retire. “We all know, that there are more seniors that are women in the first place, and that men will not attend our knitting clubs”, Leena laughs.

“I think there could be more men attending the Reading Grandmas and Grandpas”, Leena suggests. Leena herself started within the project in the spring of 2016. “This program, targeted for immigrant students, is absolutely wonderful. I have grandchildren that are the same age with the students I read with. Unfortunately my grandchildren live further away, so this activity helps with my longing. The students are so open and sweet.” Leena memorizes the childhood period of her own children and as evening activities often took place due to work, the responsibility for reading bed time stories was left for Leena’s husband. “This reading activity is definitely for men also. The story telling of grandpas is something that children especially like.” 

But how may Leena still be so active, even though she is retired? Leena herself answers with laughter: “I guess it’s in the genes! I think once you start you cannot stop.” Leena refreshes herself by attending senior dances and by knitting in a group. Hänninen encourages all at her age: “Dare to try and you will find your place in the field of volunteering!”