Hanganak’s Healthy Lifestyle workshop series continued with another lively and highly interactive session led by Dr. Liliya Seyranyan.
This time, instead of a traditional lecture, Dr. Seyranyan invited participants to test and refresh their knowledge through discussion. She presented 10 common health myths, all connected to topics that had already been explored during previous Healthy Lifestyle workshops. One by one, the group reflected on each statement, shared their own beliefs and experiences, and discussed whether the myth was true or false.
The ten myths were:
1. After the age of 60, high blood pressure is normal.
2. If cholesterol is high, it is enough simply to avoid fatty foods and follow a diet.
3. The more vitamins you take, the healthier you are.
4. After the age of 60, exercise is harmful for the heart.
5. If your joints hurt, you should rest more and move less.
6. After the age of 60, forgetfulness is always normal.
7. If a medicine is sold without a prescription, it is completely harmless.
8. Everyone should drink exactly two liters of water every day.
9. If nothing hurts, it means I am healthy.
10.If I solve crossword puzzles every day, dementia will not affect me.
The format immediately captured the participants’ interest. The discussion was active, thoughtful, and often joyful. Many beneficiaries recognized beliefs they had heard for years or had even accepted as true, and they were eager to compare their own understanding with the physician’s explanations.
Dr. Seyranyan carefully discussed each myth, helping participants distinguish between common assumptions and evidence-based health information. The workshop also became a valuable opportunity to review and reinforce knowledge from previous sessions on blood pressure, cholesterol, vitamins, physical activity, joint health, memory, medication safety, hydration, preventive health, and cognitive wellbeing.
What made the session especially meaningful was the active participation of the group. Participants did not simply listen – they questioned, reflected, disagreed, laughed, and learned from one another. This created a warm atmosphere of trust and curiosity, where everyone felt comfortable sharing their thoughts.
At Hanganak, we believe that health education is most effective when older adults are not passive listeners, but active participants in the learning process. Interactive workshops like this help strengthen health literacy, encourage critical thinking, and support more confident and informed decisions about everyday health.
At the same time, these gatherings continue to nurture something equally important: social connectedness, mutual support, and a sense of belonging. Learning together, exchanging experiences, and spending time in a friendly environment make each Healthy Lifestyle workshop not only educational, but also a joyful community experience.
We are grateful to Dr. Liliya Seyranyan for another engaging and thoughtful session, and to our beneficiaries for their curiosity, openness, and active participation. Together, we continue learning, questioning, and supporting one another on the path toward healthier and more active aging.
We also extend our sincere gratitude to our long-standing main sponsor, AWWA (Armenian Women’s Welfare Association), whose continued support makes these weekly gatherings possible. Their partnership enables us not only to provide health education, but also to create a regular and welcoming space where our beneficiaries can meet, stay socially connected, learn, share, and strengthen their sense of belonging.
