While extensive research highlights the benefits of physical activity for social, physical, and mental health, awareness gaps persist among various stakeholders in the physical activity ecosystem.

The Generations Uniting through Movement (GUM) partners have developed policy recommendations to highlight opportunities in intergenerational physical activity and to support organisations working in this field. These recommendations have been designed for key stakeholders, including municipalities and the sports, health, and youth sectors.

Municipalities play a pivotal role in promoting intergenerational physical activity by ensuring accessibility and creating inclusive environments. They can achieve this by adapting public spaces to be more inclusive and ensuring that parks and sports facilities cater to all generations. This could involve installing accessible fitness equipment suitable for different age groups, enhancing park safety with improved lighting and pathways, and organising intergenerational events.

The youth sector also has a crucial role in promoting intergenerational physical activity, emphasising both the health benefits and the valuable social and cultural exchanges these experiences provide. Schools and youth organisations can integrate intergenerational physical activity awareness into their curricula through workshops and interactive learning sessions. By showcasing real-life examples of successful programmes and highlighting the mutual benefits—such as improved well-being, reduced social isolation, and enhanced cultural exchange—young people can be encouraged to participate more actively.

If you are involved in one of these sectors (municipalities, sports, health, or youth) and would like to learn more about the specific actions you can take, we invite you to explore the full document below. It provides practical guidance on promoting intergenerational physical activity within your organisation and community.

 

 

Additional practical tools and resources are available to explore this interesting topic in greater depth, including:

-        GUM Infographic: Why should generations move together?

-        GUM online training tool

-        GUM advocacy podcast

-        Research of the successful implementation of intergenerational collaboration projects.

Read more about the project: https://www.generationsmove.org

GUM Project is funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.