In Italy almost 40% of those aged over 65 reach the levels of physical activity recommended by the WHOs, 22% can be defined as ‘partially active’, while the 38% are completely sedentary. The share of sedentary people does not only seem to be linked to age and gender (it is higher among women), but also to economic difficulties, a low level of education or living alone. Finally, only 27% of over 65s have received advice from a doctor or other operator to do physical activity. These are some of the data from Passi d’argento (Epicentro, 2024), reported in White paper on physical activity for active ageing presented to the General states of active aging underway in Rome. The document was created by HappyAgeing – Italian Alliance for Active Aging, which has crossed the finish line of 10 years of activity, celebrated today on the occasion of Grandparents’ Day.
“There sedentary lifestyle and physical inactivity have negative effects on health with repercussions on health systems, the environment, economic development, the well-being of the community and individuals and on the quality of life – declares Maurizio Massucci of the Italian Society of Physical and Rehabilitative Medicine (Simfer) and one of the authors of the White Paper – For For this reason, HappyAgeing has developed a series of proposals to improve the spread of physical activity among the elderly. The proposals are the result of field experiences and innovative experiments conducted in the field of physical activity in various Italian regions, with the result of improving the access criteria, management, general organisation, monitoring of activity paths physical and user satisfaction”.
The experts who spoke at the event reiterated it several times: “The promotion of physical activity involves effective communication campaigns and training and information programs for the population”, which involve not only the elderly, but also families, doctors general medicine, pharmacies and specialists. It is also indicated that it is necessary for local authorities, capable of reaching citizens in a widespread way, to take action by organizing events, festivals and dedicated days, also with intergenerational programs that can strengthen family and community ties.
According to HappyAgeing, it would be necessary to define tax relief policies for companies that want to invest in sports centers where physical activity aimed at the elderly is practiced and, for the latter, provide tax incentives to encourage enrollment in sports programs or centers. “Forms of subsidized purchasing – reports a note – should also be provided for technological devices for detecting the parameters of physical activity, so as to encourage their diffusion among the elderly. The Prevention and Rehabilitation Departments of the healthcare companies, in collaboration with the Regional Health Directorates, together with the Municipalities and socio-health sectors – also through the Anci and regional Anci Federsanità – and the universities, should play a role in guaranteeing and coordinating the initiatives for the activation and attendance of physical activity courses, so as to guarantee quality”.
“The proposed solutions – concludes Massucci – envisage a multi-level involvement between civil society, individual citizens, governmental, regional and local institutions and private companies. Ensuring a good quality of life for the elderly sections of the population, in fact, is an investment for the well-being of society as a whole”.
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