Ride for Life: Outride Expands Efforts to Include Work with Older Adults
For more than a decade, Outride has supported young people through programs and research that help them access the social, emotional, and cognitive benefits of riding. Given the promising benefits of bicycling for older adults and the barriers that still exist, we are expanding our work to better understand how bicycling impacts well-being across the lifespan.
Importantly, this does not replace our commitment to our work with youth; it’s an addition that allows us to highlight the life-long value of bicycling and to support a future where even more people can ride for well-being and ride for life. Building on our approach with youth, we plan to turn research into action by exploring ways to make bicycling and its benefits more accessible for the aging population through the support of programs, initiatives, and research.
The report below highlights findings around cycling’s impact on older adults’ health and well-being and concludes with key considerations and opportunities for growth.
Key Takeaways
Cycling can enhance processing speed and decision-making.
Regular cycling can improve cognition among people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Bicycling can support social and emotional well-being from improved mood to increased sense of belonging.
Safe places to ride and cycling skills programs make biking accessible and enjoyable for older adults
Stay in touch
Outride is already working with impactful cycling organizations supporting older adults. We hope to learn more about these programs across the United States and internationally, and to hear from researchers interested in better understanding the impact of cycling interventions on older adult social, emotional, and cognitive health. Together, we hope to amplify the amazing work already being done around the world, and to support research and programs that help older adults access the incredible benefits of cycling in their communities.
Please fill out this short form if you know of cycling programs serving older adults or research groups (anywhere in the world). We will be compiling a list of these programs and research resources related to older adult cycling initiatives. Stay tuned for future opportunities!
Join the Outride Research Pool to stay up to date on findings and resources.
Contact the Outride Research team: research@outridebike.org
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