Seniors on the move - well-being and functional capacity through exercise
Launched in spring 2025, the Ikäihmiset liikkeelle (Seniors on the move) project aims to address these future service challenges by creating an active network to promote senior exercise and by increasing opportunities for physical activity in cooperation with sports clubs and other actors in the field.
Free exercise courses provide meaningful activities for the autumn
Throughout the autumn, a variety of low-threshold physical activities have been offered to seniors across the city, including areas where such services were previously unavailable. The clubs involved in the project have offered a wide range of free physical activities for over-65s, from badminton to senior discos.
Most of the autumn sports courses have now ended. Both the organisers and the participants have been satisfied with the quality of the courses, says project leader and sports coordinator Erja Brusila.
– We have asked for feedback from the participants, and the responses we have received so far show that all of them have improved their well-being as a result of taking part in the courses: their movement skills have improved, exercise has been good for their bodies and their mood has improved, their social well-being has increased, and it has been nice to meet new people even in retirement, says Brusila, summing up the feedback from the older people.
Cooperation with clubs has been deepened, for example, by offering instructor training in physical activity for seniors this autumn.
– A total of 15 people took part in the free instructor training, which involved not only clubs but also sports peers, i.e. volunteer peer instructors. Feedback shows that their skills improved, and they gained new ideas for engaging seniors in physical activity.
– The project is currently seeking continuation funding, but clubs are encouraged to keep organising activities for seniors regardless, Brusila adds.
Senior Parkour builds confidence in movement
One of the highlights of the autumn season has been the Senior Parkour group, which could have attracted more people than it could hold. The group, which runs until mid-December at the Tampere Parkour Academy on Aarikkalankatu, is led by Mikko "Hattu" Kervinen, who says the age range of the group is 65 to 86.
Kervinen says that the class is based on an exercise programme tailored by an exercise specialist, focusing on age-related needs and exercises.
– The aim of the training is to give people a sense of security in their movements, so participants feel safe and capable, even getting down to the floor if needed. Jumping is tried in a modified way when necessary, he explains.
– Movement is a basic need, and we also move creatively here. Parkour is also fun, and the feedback from participants has been really good - you are surprised by your own abilities when you can do the exercises. Social interaction is also part of the plan, with time to chat between exercises, Kervinen sums up.
Senior Parkour develops body control and coordination by using the environment, without any wild tricks or dangerous situations. The aim is to improve balance, mobility and overall well-being.
The joy of movement and energy for everyday life
On a November Wednesday, about ten seniors gather at the Parkour Academy. The session starts with a warm-up and includes balance drills, light jumps, partner work, level-crossing hops, spin-over moves, and climbing on inclined surfaces.
Elvi Koskinen and her husband Pekka, who are both 78 years old, signed up for the course as soon as they saw the ad in the newspaper.
The parkour class is a pleasure to attend and Elvi gives the course her unreserved praise.
– I've really enjoyed it! You just do what you can, and the encouragement here is great. It makes you feel good overall, says Elvi, describing the benefits of the class.
The benefits of these varied exercises are already visible in everyday tasks after just a few sessions. Elvi can now reach the top shelf without the help of her tall husband, not to mention squatting down.
– At home, I realize I’m not as clumsy as I thought, even though I’ve always been fairly active. It’s nice to discover what I’m capable of, says Elvi.
Senior Parkour is a developmental and versatile form of exercise and is suitable for people of all fitness levels and abilities. The variety of exercises is praised by Elvi, who says that the class also requires a touch of courage. A good instructor and a team spirit encourage you to keep going, and at the end of the class, you don't want to stop exercising yet.
– This gives me energy, and I love putting my whole self into it. It’s challenging in a good way - not too hard, she sums up.
The fact that the course was free of charge was an attraction for the couple, but not essential for the future.
– I would join in the future if the course is organised. My wife would at least be enthusiastic, says Pekka Koskinen.
– I could definitely recommend this hobby to others, adds Elvi with a smile.
"This exercise course has been the biggest boost of the autumn and has given me a reason to get out of the house and into the world."
Course feedback on the "Ikäihmiset liikkeelle" project
