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Social work, support for seniors, and lifelong learning were among the topics discussed on Friday, August 29, in Lány by Magdalena Toušová, head of the University of the Third Age at the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen (U3V UWB), and First Lady Eva Pavlová. Toušová, along with 70 other women working in social services, accepted the invitation from the wife of the President of the Czech Republic.

"I was sincerely delighted by the invitation from Mrs. Eva Pavlová to the gardens of Lány Castle, and I see it as a great appreciation of the work I do. Meeting 70 other inspiring women who are involved in social work was deeply enriching for me. We shared our experiences, joys, and difficulties that working with people brings," said the head of U3V about the visit to Lány.

The University of the Third Age at the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen has been operating since 1992 and is one of the oldest and largest in the country. In more than three decades of operation, it has provided education to tens of thousands of students. Under the leadership of Magdalena Toušová, it has expanded to more than twenty cities in the Pilsen, Karlovy Vary, and South Bohemian regions. Last year, nearly three thousand seniors enrolled in courses, choosing from a wide range of subjects, from languages and genealogy to virtual reality, financial literacy, and physical activities.

Magdalena Toušová has long been involved in social work and education for seniors. Her work focuses on memory training, reminiscence, and dementia in seniors. From 2019 to 2022, she was president of the Association of Universities of the Third Age. For her work, she received the Anděl 2024 award in the Angel Hands category for her work in social services beyond her professional duties. Her activities also extend beyond the region—for example, in 2023, she presented the U3V ZČU model to a Moldovan delegation, which described it as an example of support for active aging.