By Natsuko Fukuda | Project Coordinator
Warm greetings from Natsuko at Peace Winds Korea. I would like to express our sincere gratitude for your continued support of and interest in our work in Ukraine.
In shelters across Dnipro City in Ukraine’s eastern Dnipropetrovsk region, many elderly people and persons with disabilities who evacuated from frontline areas continue to live in displacement. More than four years have passed since the start of the war, and prolonged evacuation life has increasingly led to declining physical function, chronic pain, and other health problems among displaced people.
To address these challenges, Peace Winds has been implementing a rehabilitation and wellness support program since October 2025 at three shelters in Dnipro City. The program aims to help elderly people and persons with disabilities maintain their health, regain mobility, and improve their overall well-being.
At the shelters, group exercise sessions are held regularly. Experienced specialists guide participants through gentle movements set to music. While the exercises provide an appropriate level of physical activity, they are carefully adapted so that elderly participants can join comfortably and safely.
One participant shared:
“Since I started joining the sessions, my leg pain has almost disappeared. I can also sleep much better now.”
Another participant commented:
“This is a wonderful opportunity for elderly people because we can exercise and interact with others at the same time.”
In addition, one shelter provides individual rehabilitation sessions and massage therapy tailored to each participant’s specific condition and needs. Some participants are recovering from amputation surgeries and preparing to use prosthetic devices, while others have been living with chronic pain for many years. Some simply wish to walk confidently again without fear of falling.
Skilled rehabilitation specialists carefully assess each participant’s physical condition and abilities while respecting their wishes and personal goals. Based on these assessments, they provide individualized rehabilitation exercises and massage treatments.
Participants who have continuously attended these sessions have shared encouraging feedback, including:
“Now I can walk without a walker. It feels amazing!”
“Thanks to the rehabilitation and massage sessions, I can spend two days without painkillers.”
“It has become much easier for me to walk and even lie down comfortably.”
One participant who received a prosthetic limb after an amputation explained:
“I needed to learn how to use my prosthetic properly. Thanks to the rehabilitation support, I’m gradually becoming able to manage daily life again.”
Beyond physical recovery, many participants are also regaining confidence, dignity, and hope for the future.
Rehabilitation support not only helps displaced people recover physical function, but also supports them in rebuilding positive and active lives after experiencing immense loss due to the war. Peace Winds will continue supporting people in Ukraine as they recover physically and emotionally and move forward toward rebuilding their lives.
Thank you for reading and for standing with the people of Ukraine.
Warm regards,
Natsuko
Peace Winds Korea
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