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Cycling Without Age

Gradient Ocean

Al Rezoski

Apr 29, 2022

Denmark

Categories:

Cycling, Exercise, Senior Citizen, Mental Health

Cycling Without Age is a non-profit organization that started in Copenhagen, Denmark. Denmark is the land of hygge (pronounced hoo-gah and meaning cozy contentment). Its citizens consistently rank as the top five happiest people in the world. I was fortunate to visit Copenhagen in 20I9 and experience this firsthand by cycling through the city. Ole Kassow created Cycling Without Age in 2012. He started by providing free bike rides to local nursing home residents. It quickly expanded to an international movement in 52 countries, with 2,700 chapter locations, 3,700 trishaws, 35,000 trained cycle pilots, over 2.5 million rides, and over 575,000 people served.


How does it work?
The Cycling Without Age website provides an overview of the organization and how to start a local chapter. Once a local chapter forms, they fundraise to purchase a trishaw. This link has images of trishaws. https://bit.ly/37N91to


Cycle pilots are volunteers matched with interested seniors. Depending on the local climate, seniors may get blankets and rain gear to make them super comfortable. The bike ride is ideal for seniors that have limited mobility. The cycle pilot designs a mutually agreed route for maximum benefit for the senior. Perhaps they want to ride by their old neighborhoods or a friend’s house, visit a shop, sit in the park, or watch an outdoor ball game. It is an excellent way for seniors to be involved in decision making, socializing, and experiencing and connecting with their community. The cycling pilot benefits from the exercise, developing exciting routes and experiences, and, most importantly, connecting one-on-one with a different generation.


Many cultures have marginalized the participation of seniors in society. By starting a local Cycling Without Age chapter, you can interact with seniors and benefit from their wisdom. Their wisdom is more likely to be expressed when they engage all five senses. We know that physical and social isolation is one of the most significant barriers to happiness. The wind in your hair may sound like a fundamental concept, but it does work to stimulate the mind. You can help seniors connect with their local communities and promote their mental health. Creating hygge in your community can begin with a simple bike ride and socializing with multiple generations!

Photo courtesy of Cycling Without Age

Source:

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Catalog #:

0322.103.01.042822

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