As part of the UKK Institute’s Active Ageing collaboration project, exercise groups for older adults were launched in the Tampere area of Finland at the beginning of April. The ABC+ exercise groups are organized in partnership with the UKK Institute, local fitness centers, and the City of Tampere.

Photo: UKK Institute, Katja Síven

The program quickly gained popularity, with all spots filling up within two days. Communication about the groups was effectively managed through local newspapers, resulting in 90 participants joining the exercise groups. Despite the high interest, many more participants could not be accommodated.

During the first week, functional capacity tests were conducted to assess participants' abilities. Following this, the training sessions progressed according to the ABC+ Movement Program, which includes guided strength and balance training tailored to participants with varying levels of mobility and movement limitations. 

The groups meet twice a week for three months in Tampere city center and three suburban areas: Hervanta, Lielahti, and Nekala. The last sessions of ABC+ Movement Program will be mid-June with functional capacity tests.

“No matter the age, stay active.”