| Short descriptor of good practice |
| The programme aims to launch health exercise for older adults who are at risk of functional decline. The activities include exercise counseling, guided strength and balance exercise training and outdoor activities. Beside regular program, project also has annual campaign Go out with the elderly, to challenge volunteers in NGOs, students, elder care professionals, families and neighbours to go out with older adults. |
| Type of setting where good practice is delivered |
| The Program activities are organized in cooperation between NGOs and the public Municipal sectors (social, health, education, culture, and sport), and coordinated and mentored by Age Institute. The project is financed through Funding Centre for Social Welfare and Health Organisations (STEA) and Ministry of Education and Culture and Ministry of Social Affairs and Health. |
| Time Frame for delivery of good practice |
| The programme is carried out in the municipalities in 3-year period. The last period started in 2021 and it’s ongoing. The program includes training for group leaders and joint exercise councils of older adults and decision-makers in order to convey older people’s experiences to providers of exercise and decision-makers, and to speed up fulfillment of older people’s wishes. |
| Type of learner the best practice is supporting |
| · 75+ independently living physically inactive persons · physically active 60+ volunteers who are willing to act as exercise friends · cross-sectorial cooperation groups and coordinators in the municipalities |
| Resources used as part of good practice |
| https://www.voimaavanhuuteen.fi/content/uploads/2022/01/Presentation_Strength_in_old_age_2022.pdf |
| Aims and objectives of good practice |
| · To launch evidence-based counseling, guided strength and balance exercise training, and outdoor activities for independently living older adults (75+) with decreased functional capacity. · To improve seniors muscle strength and balance, energy level and social interaction · To create Age-friendly environment (easy to move around and orientate directions; safe surface/terrain, routes, benches, lighting etc.) · To convey older people’s experiences to providers of exercise and decision-makers |
| Evidence as to why this was considered good practice |
| The evaluation of the Age Institute shows increasing number of municipalities joining the programme (38 municipalities 2010-2015; 48 municipalities 2016-2021; 23 municipalities 2021- on-going) for the three-year mentoring. Perceived effects from participating in the exercise group are: improved mood and social interaction, energy level, balance, muscle strength and daily physical activity |
| 3 Key learning Principles that were used in this good practice to support senior learners |
| 1. Participation 2. Individualization 3. Social learning |
| Any additional learning that we can take from this good practice example |
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| Any Additional Information |
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