Life and limbs: Donostia-San Sebastián hosts walking sessions for older people

One of the keys to a long and healthy is to maintain physical fitness. In this respect, walking is extremely important for older people. Walking is both a form of mobility and a pleasant way to spend free time. There are, however, a few obstacles preventing older people from making the most of this freest and simplest mode of transport, such as challenging terrain, traffic congestion or inadequate paths. Recognising this fact, the Spanish municipality of Donostia-San Sebastián is organising training programmes to overcome these practical difficulties.

The AENEAS walking training for older people has been a great success. Eight walking sessions have been held thus far, each more popular than the last. The project begins with an explanation of the possibilities and advantage of walking. A different walking route is organised for each session, and typically courses through natural areas of the city: hills, coastline, parks and the riverside and parks – though more urban areas are walked as well. After each walk a light lunch is offered at a cultural centre or retirees’ club.

Participants are grateful to be socially active and able to complete the planned routes, and are thus encouraged to walk more in their daily life.

Training sessions on public transport and road safety have also started. The public transport training provides practical tips for riding the bus, and includes a bus ride. Road safety training participants analyse real traffic situations in the city. Both activities are organised in cooperation with older peoples’ associations.

Author: Cecilia Barranco