Astana's intergenerational mental arithmetic championship breaks age barriers
Astana recently hosted a mental arithmetic championship that brought together nearly 100 participants of all ages. The event took place at Comfortable School No. 103, drawing around 250 spectators. Organised under the Baıterek initiative in partnership with UCMAS, the competition stood out for its intergenerational approach.
The championship featured an unusual mix of schoolchildren, young adults, and seniors. Many of the older participants had spent a year training in mental arithmetic at no cost. Instructor Bibigul Narynbaevna explained that the practice sharpens memory, boosts perception, and speeds up information processing. She also noted its role in preventing Alzheimer’s among the elderly.
Representatives from Astana’s Amanat party attended, including Sanira Zhusupova, chair of the Yesil District branch, and the head of the capital’s education department. Zhusupova pointed out that similar competitions have previously earned Guinness World Records. Sharip Utemiratov, chair of the Yesil District veterans' council, added that the shared classes had strengthened bonds between generations. Mental arithmetic has been growing in Kazakhstan for over ten years. Annual citywide and national tournaments now form part of its expanding presence in the country.
The event highlighted the benefits of mental arithmetic across age groups. Seniors trained for free, while younger participants gained experience in a competitive setting. Organisers plan to continue fostering such intergenerational collaborations in future competitions.
