Active ageing means helping people stay healthy, active, and safe as they grow older. This approach contributes to the maintenance of physical and mental well-being among older adults and supports their independence.
Active ageing encourages older adults to:
Regular physical activity plays a key role in supporting strength, mobility, flexibility, and balance in later life. Active ageing is associated with a reduced risk of chronic conditions and contributes to improved functional capacity and overall well-being.
In addition, maintaining an active lifestyle supports older adults in preserving independence and continuing everyday activities safely and confidently. This enhances quality of life, strengthens self-esteem, and helps reduce long-term demands on healthcare services.
Across Europe, including Finland, cities and municipalities are increasingly developing age-friendly cities and wellbeing programmes that promote healthy and active ageing. These initiatives focus on improving accessibility, mobility, and social participation.
“Accessible outdoor gyms and nearby community exercise facilities are highly important, particularly from the perspective of older adults’ functional capacity and well-being. Seniors value opportunities to engage in physical activity close to their everyday living environment, and exercising outdoors provides not only physical health benefits but also enhances mental well-being and enjoyment."
"Research has shown that diverse and regular physical activity can significantly support independent daily living and help prevent falls and fall-related injuries. For this reason, easily accessible neighbourhood exercise facilities and events that lower the threshold for participation in physical activity are extremely valuable.”
Maarit Piirtola, Adjunct Professor of Public Health and Senior Lecturer (Master’s level), Laurea University of Applied Sciences.
The ageing population is placing increasing pressure on healthcare systems and urban infrastructure. In response, there is a growing focus on preventive, community-based approaches that promote health and functional ability at every stage of life.
The integration of public outdoor gym infrastructure is an effective way to create active environments that lower the barrier for various target groups. Easy-to-use, age-friendly outdoor gym equipment provide accessible opportunities for physical activity in everyday settings and support the maintenance of strength, balance, and mobility among older adults.
Environmental conditions and built environments play a significant role in shaping health behaviours and overall well-being. Accessible and well-designed public spaces can therefore encourage regular physical activity and support healthier ageing outcomes.
“I have found it encouraging to observe the current development trend in which outdoor gyms are increasingly being located closer to where people live. This is also important from the perspective of older adults, as easily accessible and activity-inviting exercise facilities support an active everyday life."
"In order for outdoor gyms to serve as wide a range of user groups as possible, the equipment must be easy to use and also suitable for older people.”
Arto Tiihonen, PhD, sports sociologist, Senior Specialist, Laurea University of Applied Sciences.
Active ageing strategies rely on the combined efforts of public health policy, urban planning, and community-level infrastructure. Public outdoor gym facilities represent one practical component of this broader framework, contributing to functional independence and inclusive access to physical activity.
In several European municipalities, outdoor gym equipment has been integrated into parks and recreational areas as part of wider health promotion and active living strategies, supporting long-term public health objectives. Increasingly, outdoor gyms are also being installed in urban centres and other easily accessible locations, bringing opportunities for physical activity closer to people’s everyday environments.
Global Strength Day is an annual event organised by Omnigym. The 2026 edition focused on senior strength, highlighting that it is never too late to build physical strength, confidence, and independence.
In collaboration with physiotherapy students from Laurea University of Applied Sciences (LaureaLiike), Omnigym invited older adults to participate in two guided outdoor training sessions held at Omnigym outdoor gyms in Espoo, southern Finland.
One of the outdoor gyms, the Tuulikinsilta Omnigym is situated on the terrace of Shopping Centre AINOA in Tapiola, next to a residential building. The site features a flat concrete surface with multiple access points, making it easy to reach and highly accessible. It is also well connected by public transport, ensuring convenient access for participants.
The Tuulikinsilta Omnigym is equipped with eight Omnigym outdoor gym equipment, including the Core Rack, Squat, Seated Row, Free Access Lat Pulldown, Bench Press, Incline Bench Press, Seated Biceps Curl, and Seated Triceps Extension.
During the guided outdoor training session, participants had the opportunity to try all the equipment and provide feedback on their experience. As a takeaway, participants also received a personalised training programme to support their continued exercise.
Global Strength Day 2026 was also held simultaneously at Omnigym outdoor gyms in several countries, including Singapore, Ireland, Sweden, Estonia, Norway, Germany, and Lithuania, highlighting its shared commitment to promoting strength training.