More than 5,000 older adults in Spain are participating in physical activity programs organized by the local government. These programs seek to improve health status, foster self-esteem and a positive attitude to life, expand possibilities for social integration, and serve as a good alternative for older adults to spend their leisure time. From the government’s perspective, the program may be a way to reduce social spending as the percentage of elderly increases in Spain.
Physical activity programs are available to citizens over age 60 living in cities with no more than 20,000 people that rely on local government; larger cities have autonomous programs. Cities to receive this benefit must provide the sports facility and cover the costs of the instructor(s). The classes are planned to have between 15 and 25 elders and to meet three times per week for one hour each.
Among the activities are soft gymnastics and a variety of other physical activities, self-massage, rhythmic activities, and body expression. Complementary activities are also included, such as adapted sports, yoga, tai chi, folk dances and songs, water activities, and traditional games. The agenda of this program also offer excursions, tours, and rallies.
For more information about the program offered to seniors living in Malaga province, visit http://www.juventud-deportes.org/mya/mya08_pafdm.pdf or http://www.juventud-deportes.org/mya/mya.html. Note: Information is in Spanish.
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