Physical activity is particularly important for maintaining health and functional capacity as we age. Helsinki has recognised that a much broader approach than just fitness exercise is needed to increase the physical activity of older people and improve their opportunities for physical activity.
Since 2021, dozens of measures have been taken in the divisions to promote older people’s physical activity. The Urban Environment Division has increased the number of street and park benches, improved the conditions for walking and cycling and enhanced winter maintenance. The introduction of the mobility agreement has been extended to all hospital, care and rehabilitation services. Bringing up physical activity and advice on physical activity have been increased, as have dance and exercise classes for older people. Other ways of promoting older people’s physical activity have included grants to organisations and associations, physical activity campaigns and peer instructor training.
In 2024, the City’s divisions implemented several measures to promote the physical activity of sedentary older people. In Malmi, a multi-operator project to promote physical activity among older people was carried out in 2024, resulting in a replicable collaboration model. Across the city, both the number of foreign-language students at the adult education centre and the occupancy rate of the senior exercise classes organised by the City have increased. Digiystävä courses have been held for older people, helping them learn digital skills in a communal and meaningful way. The evaluation model for projects to support physical activity and culture for older people has been revised. By August 2024, 77% of the clients of Hospital, Rehabilitation and Care Services had a mobility agreement in place. The number of benches will be further increased by 200 by the end of 2025.