Odense seniors still keeping pace one year after walking campaign

A campaign was carried out in April 2010 to encourage senior citizens to make walking a regular part of their daily routine. Over one week, senior citizens participated in more than 100 walking activities, including guided tours and exhibitions, games and sports.

The original goal of the campaign was to establish four walking groups in areas of Odense where walking opportunities for seniors were most limited. Each walking club was established in cooperation with different stakeholders and older citizens comprising the four inaugural walking clubs.

Now, more than one year later, these four walking clubs still get out once a week and are recruiting new members. Each walking group emphasises the importance of community and social interaction; walking trips often conclude with coffee and cake, and last year one of the walking groups enjoyed a Christmas lunch together.

The walking ‘campaign’ was repeated this April as well to explore the possibility of establishing a further eight walking groups in Odense. This would grant even more possibilities for seniors to enjoy this healthy activity with others in the near future.

Author: Dorthe Raby