Take a step towards wellbeing and walk your municipality to victory
The summer 2026 walking campaign invites everyone aged 65 and over to get moving, support their wellbeing and collect walking entries for their home municipality. The campaign is a collaborative initiative of Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County and the ten municipalities in the region.
The campaign aims to encourage older residents to be physically active in an easy and accessible way, while also finding joy through shared participation. During the campaign, participants record the number of minutes they walk each day on a walking card. At the same time, they collect entries for their home municipality. The municipality with the highest number of returned cards wins!
“The campaign is part of the Strength in Old Age (Voimaa vanhuuteen) programme, which is carried out by the wellbeing services county and the municipalities. Through the programme, we support physical activity and functional capacity among older people. A shared physical activity campaign felt like a meaningful way to strengthen our cooperation and encourage older residents in the region to get moving in an accessible, low-barrier way,” says Esa Yletyinen from the Physical Activity Services in Espoo.
Walking supports health and wellbeing
Regular walking is one of the easiest and safest ways to maintain health, regardless of age. It supports health and functional capacity, is suitable for most people, and often also provides a natural opportunity for social interaction.
“Research shows that walking can bring health benefits even within a short period of time, especially if a person has previously been physically inactive,” says Senior Specialist Sanna Rosendahl.
Walking strengthens muscles and balance and helps maintain cardiovascular health. It improves endurance and everyday energy levels, refreshes the mind and reduces stress. Walking can also improve sleep quality and support overall wellbeing.
The campaign also encourages people who do not usually exercise much to take part. Participants can join in using a rollator or another mobility aid.
“A shared campaign activates and encourages everyone to take part. This is for everyone, not just for the most active exercisers,” Yletyinen says.
The campaign brings a sense of community and joy to summer physical activity. You can walk in nearby nature, along your local streets or around your holiday cottage. All you need is weather-appropriate clothing and a water bottle.
Campaign period and prize draw
You can track your progress on the walking card throughout the summer.
The campaign runs from 1 June to 31 August 2026. A prize draw will be held among everyone who returns a walking card.
Even a small step is good for you! Pick up your walking card and join in on your own, with a friend or in a group. At the same time, you will strengthen your own health and help build shared wellbeing in your municipality.
Further information about the campaign is available at: Summer Walking Campaign 2026
Contact information
Sanna Rosendahl
Senior Specialist, services for the elderly
sanna.k.rosendahl@luvn.fi