National Strength in Old Age Program: 20 years of committed municipalities and broad collaboration

Abstract Issue To support functional capacity in the aging society, a national Strength in Old Age Program targeting older persons aged 75+ years was launched in 2004. Description of the problem The Program promotes health-enhancing physical activity for independently living older adults who experience limitations in functioning. The Coordinator, Age Institute, selects municipalities to undergo a three-year mentoring in the Program. Implementation Municipalities in the Program implement exercise counseling, strength and balance exercise, and outdoor exercise. They commit to implementation through intersectoral collaboration, including e.g. social, health care, sports services, and NGOs. Local cross-sectoral work is supported by mentoring from Age Institute, which includes counseling, continuing education, materials, network events, development tools, and collection of follow-up data. The exercise group participants undergo functional capacity tests. Results 109 municipalities out of 297 have participated in the Program. Intersectoral collaboration and tailored mentoring were seen among the success points. Of the municipalities, 80% perceived receiving high or very high benefits from participation in the Program and 89% were committed to continue the good practices after their 3-year mentoring phase. Free-of-charge continuing education and materials were well received. Challenges were recognized, e.g. high turnover of workers and lack of support from decision-makers. The main target group, older adults with functional limitations benefited from the Program. More exercise groups were locally offered. The participants perceived social and physical benefits from the exercise groups. Physical functioning tests showed that majority of the participants improved their strength and balance. Lessons Program showed effectiveness in intersectoral collaboration, local implementation, learning skills, physical activity opportunities, and functional capacity. Good practices were developed. Key messages • The Strength in Old Age Program is effective in improving intersectoral collaboration, local implementation, learning skills, physical activity opportunities and functioning of older adults. • Good practices for physical activity among older adults have been developed as part of the implementation, including exercise counseling, strength and balance exercise and outdoor exercise.