Extended personal mobility for everyone: walking campaign in Odense

Tour participants

[May 2010] In spring 2010 a large walking campaign was launched in Odense in order to encourage senior citizens to walk more in their daily lives. From April 12th – 18th senior citizens was presented with more than 100 different activities related to walking. Guided tours, exhibitions, training activities, games and sports were designed to show how enjoyable walking can be in many aspects.

By enjoying the activities a lot of the participants discovered that their ability to walk exceeded even their own expectations. Thus, the programme encouraged them to walk further the next time and ultimately incorporate more walking as a way of mobility in daily life.

The participants had very different conditions for engaging in these walking activities. Some would walk effortlessly several kilometers, while others felt challenged to do even very short walks. Therefore, the activities varied in difficulty.

As our earlier campaign targeted experienced walkers, this time the focus was on increasing the mobility of weaker walkers. A lot of the activities therefore were supported by walking assistants who would support slow walkers, push wheelchairs or accompany participants using walking frames. Some of the walking assistants were part of an integration project with foreigners who will work with the elderly and healthcare. Particularly some of the foreign seniors benefited from this action.

After the campaign several new local walking clubs emerged to carry on the walking training.