Meet the woman helping Croatian retirees travel, exercise and thrive in their golden years

by croatiaweek
June 29, 2026
in Entertainment

Karolina Muža (Photo: Private album)

By Hana Klain

While many people see retirement as a time to slow down, Karolina Muža proves the exact opposite every day.

As a Master of Kinesiology, handball referee and head of the Sport za sve Centar association, she has brought together a community of people who, through sport, travel and socialising, show that the most beautiful life stories can be written at any age.

That is why her example is an inspiration not only in Croatia, but to everyone who believes that an active life has no expiry date.

Many people see retirement as a time when life slows down. You have turned it into a completely new adventure. When did you decide that “retirement” would not mean standing still?

Twenty-five years ago, I took over the work of the Sport za sve Centar association. At the time, the association had between 500 and 600 retirees of different ages, habits and interests. It all began with exercise, but very quickly I noticed that people wanted much more than recreation alone.

Many did not have enough opportunities to travel during their lives, most often because of family obligations, work or financial reasons. When we started organising trips, the response was extremely strong.

Sports gatherings, festivals, competitions and tourist programmes followed naturally. Members also wanted social events, so we began organising celebrations such as Vincekovo, International Women’s Day and New Year’s Eve.

There was music, dancing, laughter and plenty of good energy, and over time we also connected with other groups from across the city.

You lead sports activities for retirees, but it seems you are much more than a trainer.

(Photo: Private album)

How important are friendship, socialising and the sense of community that grow through these activities?

Sports activities are very important, but what happens around them is just as important. People in retirement often lose part of the social circle they had through work and everyday responsibilities.

They miss conversations, shared interests and a sense of belonging.

That is exactly what started to grow among us. After exercise, members stay and talk, arrange visits to the theatre, concerts or trips. Small groups of friends have formed and now spend time together outside our programmes as well. Over time, friendship has become just as important as exercise.

What surprises you most about people who join you for the first time? What change do you most often see after a few months?

I am often surprised by how many people have not had the opportunity to practice sport or any kind of recreation regularly during their lives. When they retire and finally have more free time, they actually discover something they needed much earlier.

At first, some of them feel insecure.

They join a group that has been exercising for a long time, notice that their coordination or fitness is not at its best, and sometimes feel like “black swans”. But the energy of the group carries them forward. After a few months, you can see a big change – better fitness, more confident movement, greater self-confidence and many more smiles.

(Photo: Private album)

Your group not only exercises, but also travels, goes on trips and summer holidays. What are those trips like, and which memories are especially dear to you?

Travel is a special part of our work. Many of our members are discovering Croatia only in their golden years, and they are often surprised by how many beautiful places they did not know.

Our most recent trip was to Perušić in Lika, and it completely delighted us. We did not expect so many interesting sights, natural beauties and caves in one place.

My only regret was that not all members could enter the cave because some of them are of a very advanced age, including one 93-year-old member.

Among the destinations we will remember for a long time, I would single out Kopački rit and Aljmaš. Aljmaš won us over in a special way, not only because of the beauty of the place, but also because of the people we met there.

The priest in Aljmaš made a strong impression on our group; he was a great motivator and truly moved us. We also visited Vinkovci, Vukovar and Đakovo, but Aljmaš will remain in our hearts for a long time.

(Photo: Private album)

When you look at your group today, what tells you that age really is not an obstacle to an active life?

The best proof is our members. We have a 93-year-old member who still travels with us. We also have a 94-year-old lady who lives in a retirement home, but regularly comes to exercise twice a week, all the way from the other side of the city.

For me, that is the most beautiful confirmation that age is not an obstacle. People like that encourage younger members not to look for excuses, but to get moving.

(Photo: Private album)

Croatia is known for its natural beauty, mountains, sea and walking trails. How much does spending time in nature contribute to health and quality of life in later years?

Nature means a great deal. Mountains, walking trails, the sea and fresh air give our members a sense of freedom and joy. I think people in later life perhaps appreciate such moments even more because they have been through so much.

I often encourage them to go to Sljeme on their own, take a walk, breathe in the fresh air and do something good for themselves. When snow falls, our group goes to the mountain. When spring, summer or autumn arrives, we are outside again. Movement in nature directly improves quality of life.

(Photo: Private album)

What would you like younger generations to learn from today’s active retirees?

I would like people to become active long before retirement. I notice that girls often give up sport after primary school, yet these habits are important throughout life.

If we keep moving from a young age, we enter our later years healthier and better prepared. Activity is not important only for the body, but also for the spirit, self-confidence and social life.

(Photo: Private album)

What would you say to someone who thinks their best days are behind them?

I would tell them that the golden years bring their own beauty, every single day. We should make use of the time we have, socialise, stay active and find activities that bring us joy. Recreation does not bring only better health, but also a better quality of life.

We also had a guest from Austria who exercised with us and told us that we do everything very seriously and in a very organised way. Older visitors from other countries can also join our free summer programmes. Everyone is welcome.