ACTIVAGE

Background

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), physical inactivity is one of the leading risk factors for global mortality and a major contributor to non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, and mental health disorders. The WHO recommends that adults, including older adults, engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity, each week. Yet, despite the well-documented benefits of regular exercise—including improved physical and mental health, enhanced cognitive performance, and increased social inclusion—27.5% of adults and a staggering 81% of adolescents globally fail to meet these minimum activity guidelines.

The situation is even more concerning among children and teenagers. The OECD highlights that while physical activity positively influences cognitive development, self-esteem, academic success, and future health outcomes, only around 25% of 11-year-olds and just 15% of 15-year-olds in the EU reported engaging in an hour of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily in 2018. Additionally, the rise of sedentary lifestyles, exacerbated by screen time and heavy internet use, is displacing time traditionally spent on physical and outdoor activities.

The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the importance of accessible environments for physical activity. Lockdowns, isolation, and movement restrictions negatively impacted people’s ability to engage in regular exercise. However, the period also emphasized the value of outdoor spaces and nature-based recreation for public health and well-being.

The Challenge
Today, multiple factors continue to hinder participation in physical activity:

  • Sedentary lifestyles exacerbated by digital consumption.
  • Lack of structured opportunities for families and individuals across age groups to engage in accessible, nature-based activities.
  • Limited awareness of eco-friendly habits and climate action within community-based recreational programs.

The Opportunity
ACTivAGE responds to this challenge by promoting physical activity in an inclusive, intergenerational, and environmentally conscious framework. By combining the benefits of outdoor recreation, environmental education, and community engagement, ACTivAGE aims to cultivate lifelong healthy habits, while fostering climate awareness in local communities.

Through this initiative, we will create a dynamic, camp-based program targeting children (8–12), youth (13–24), and adults (24+), including seniors. Using National Parks and other natural settings in participating countries as venues, the project will leverage nature to promote physical activity and eco-friendly lifestyles.

Project description

ACTivAGE builds upon the intersection of public health, education, and environmental sustainability. By focusing on outdoor camps and nature-based activities, the project contributes to:

  • Enhancing physical and mental well-being across generations.
  • Promoting non-formal learning about eco-friendly behaviors and climate action aligned with the European Green Deal.
  • Revitalizing traditional games and sports as a means of cultural exchange and intergenerational bonding.

The project also addresses key findings from the European Health Interview Survey (EHIS), which highlights a steep decline in physical activity levels among older adults. While young adults show relatively higher participation in leisure-time physical activities, only around 7.3% of Europeans aged 65 and older meet the WHO’s minimum recommended levels of activity.

Moreover, the project aligns with the European Climate Pact, fostering public engagement in climate change mitigation efforts through daily actions like eco-conscious outdoor recreation, efficient resource use, and sustainable living practices.

Participating countries