The Wellbeing of Residents is the Key to Our Future

Smooth everyday life, good study and employment opportunities, a living environment close to nature and a sense of communality are the keys to good life. However, the real drivers behind an attractive municipality are its residents and their wellbeing.

TEXT RIITTA JUSSILA PHOTO TIINA HARING

Kuopio aims to build a Capital of Good Life together. This is part of the strategy of the city.

“The strategy reminds us of the core mission of the city: we are here for the residents”, says Mayor Jarmo Pirhonen.

“The wellbeing of residents is promoted by reinforcing the routines and safety nets that are part of good everyday life and enabling meaningful hobbies, work, livelihood and a living environment”, says Director of Wellbeing Promotion Janne Hentunen.

According to surveys, Kuopio is home to satisfied people.

INSPIRING EVERYDAY LIFE

The elements of good everyday life are regular exercise, sufficient rest and balanced, healthy nutrition.

“Human health and wellbeing depend on lifestyle as a whole. It is important to live a healthy lifestyle – instead of focusing on one particular diet or form of exercise”, says Jussi Pihlajamäki, Professor in Clinical Nutrition at the University of Eastern Finland.

An inspiring life not only has room for friends and family, but also opportunities to fulfil yourself and bring joy to others. Hobbies, voluntary work and meaningful activities enrich your everyday life. The hundreds of organizations, associations and others operating in Kuopio offer everyone a chance to find a community to join.

Kuopio has also invested in providing its residents opportunities to exercise, for example by building more local sports and exercise facilities. The improvement of pedestrian and bicycle ways, on the other hand, encourages people to cycle or walk to school or work.

COMPETENCE IS OUR STRENGTH

Kuopio offers businesses a continuously developing business environment and competent labour. The city has both vocational and higher education institutions providing high-quality education. Kuopio is a university town and the University of Eastern Finland is home to the most wide-ranging education in the health sciences in Finland, among other disciplines.

Jobs and entrepreneurship promote livelihood and wellbeing in the province. The North Savo Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment (ELY Centre) supports businesses through e.g. the EU structural funds and promotes employment through labour market, recruitment and targeted training.

“High-tech export companies can be considered an asset and a pull factor of the province. These business networks give rise to new innovations and businesses”, says Director General of the North Savo ELY Centre Pasi Patrikainen.

COMMUNAL LIVING BY NATURE

A down-to-earth atmosphere, doing things together and communality are the heart and soul of Kuopio. According to surveys, Kuopio is home to satisfied people. Nature and a city that is just the right size encourage people to make healthy everyday choices. Distances are short and many districts of the city allow access to natural waters. Comfortable, safe residential areas and meeting places are built by including the residents in the process and listening to them – the key persons of good life are the residents themselves.