Mykola Shumeiko: A Life of Constant Activity
Mykola Shumeiko, a 95-year-old resident of the Rivne region, maintains an impressively active lifestyle that combines physical exercise with creative pursuits. He regularly cycles, sings in a church choir, and tends to his garden. Born in the town of Korets, Rivne district, he has lived in the village of Myrne within the Malolyubashanska community since 1952. A former physics and mathematics teacher, Shumeiko graduated from a two-year teacher training institute’s physics and mathematics faculty, giving him a wealth of life experience.
Early in his career, he was assigned to work in what was then called Pechalivka—now known as Myrne—where he taught physics and mathematics.
“I finished the teacher’s institute, which was a two-year program. There were four groups in the physics and mathematics faculty. They sent me to the former Pechalivka, which is now Myrne. I taught physics and mathematics. Ten of us from the four groups were selected and sent to places where ten-year schools were opening,”Mykola recalls.
Mykola Shumeiko has faced personal loss, with his wife passing away 25 years ago. The couple had two children, and he now has three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He believes the secrets to longevity lie in staying active and avoiding harmful habits.
“The guys smoked, but I didn’t. I went to the institute and didn’t smoke. In the army, I also didn’t smoke,”he says.
An Inspiration for Younger Generations
Among his peers, Mykola stands out for his energy and zest for life. For instance, his colleague Anatoliy Fedorchenko, aged 86, also leads an active life, digging in his garden and coaching a volleyball team. Mykola Shumeiko continues to inspire younger generations by example, showing that activity and a healthy lifestyle can accompany a person at every stage of life.
His story is a vivid testament to how an active lifestyle and avoiding bad habits can positively impact both the quality and length of life. It serves as inspiration not only for his contemporaries but also for younger people, encouraging them to embrace physical activity and healthy living. In an era where sedentary lifestyles are becoming increasingly common, such examples offer a powerful reminder of the enduring value of health and movement at any age.