The Strength in Old Age Programme is currently being implemented in Kainuu, West Uusimaa, North Karelia, and Satakunta. In the Wellbeing Services County of Southwest Finland, the programme has recently been completed, with excellent results.
The aim of the regional programme is to identify older adults who are insufficiently physically active and to increase access to strength- and balance-focused group exercise, physical activity counselling, outdoor activities, and peer-led activities. Achieving this goal requires the development of a seamless service pathway across wellbeing services counties, municipalities, and organizations, as well as greater coordination of physical activity services throughout the region.
Each participating area receives three years of free mentoring from the Age Institute, including:
- Workshops and network meetings
- A comprehensive training programme for professionals, peer instructors, and volunteers
- Educational and communication materials to support practical implementation
- Support and tools for assessing, planning, monitoring, and evaluating activities
Over the years, the programme has involved 109 municipalities and 35 non-governmental organization projects.
Target Group: Older Adults with Declining Functional Capacity
The Strength in Old Age (Voimaa vanhuuteen) Programme is aimed at older adults aged 75 and over who are still living independently at home but whose functional capacity has begun to decline. Signs of declining functional capacity may include:
- Difficulty climbing stairs
- Increased difficulty getting up from a chair
- Slower walking speed
- Concern about falling
- Reduced outdoor activity
Mobility and functional ability can be improved even in very old age through regular strength and balance training.
Cross-Sectoral Collaboration Is Essential
Successful development work within the Strength in Old Age (Voimaa vanhuuteen) Programme requires cross-sectoral collaboration. The involvement of different municipal sectors is essential, with the sports and physical activity services often playing a key role in bringing stakeholders together.
Various organizations, such as pensioners’ associations, public health organizations, and village associations, are also important partners in the network. Parishes and educational institutions likewise play a valuable role in the collaboration.
Within the wellbeing services county, key partners include services responsible for health and well-being promotion, primary health care, services for older adults, and rehabilitation.
According to a study conducted by the University of Eastern Finland (Laulainen et al., 2016), the key success factors of the Strength in Old Age (Voimaa vanhuuteen) programme are:
- Strong support from decision-makers and leaders
- Shared goals and commitment
- Strong coordination
- Clear roles and mutual awareness of one another’s work
- A positive attitude towards collaboration
More Information About the Strength in Old Age Programme
Saila Hänninen
Lead Specialist
Tel. 040 582 9892
Merja Palkama
Specialist
Tel. 040 671 1511
Eveliina Palvimo
Specialist
Tel. 040 639 0724
Ritva-Liisa Salonen
Specialist
Tel. 040 505 2321
Heli Starck
Senior Specialist
Tel. 040 596 8799
Email: firstname.lastname@ikainstituutti.fi
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