6-0! Promoting health through recreational football

Background Europe´s population is aging and inactivity increases with age. In Europe, almost half of the persons over 60 years have been reported to be inactive. In the presence of strong evidence linking physical inactivity to chronic health conditions and to higher mortality, it is vital to improve physical activity levels of older adults. Non-competitive Recreational football activity with this age group proved to be safe, intensive, motivating, joyful, fun, and most of all social physical activity. Objectives Healthy aging has been defined as an ability to lead a healthy, socially inclusive lifestyle relatively free from illness or disability. This will be more likely in persons who actively engage in activities to improve their health and wellbeing. The objectives of the 6-0! project were to to impact on wellbeing of aging citizens through recreational football activities and to confirm that the activity was safe, fun, and plausible for participants 60+ years of age. Implementation Although Covid-19 pandemic interrupted activities unexpectedly, 6-0! project was able to produce enough activity to prove the concept working. 12-week period, twice a week for an hour training session were well tolerated. In the 60+ years age group it is important to start slowly and progressively to avoid injuries, not to tire participants and to keep the fun in activity. Important to have enough breaks during the activities and no physical contacts allowed. Social interaction is a key element. Achievements “All of that was like a hell of a meaningful thing.” A quote from a participant. 60+ years of age recreational football was well tolerated. Injury incidence during recreational football was low with injury rates between 2.3-0.5 per 1000 hours per participant. Physical fitness improved remarkedly and social interaction was highly appreciated. Recreational football activity has been continuing after the project with the groups, but there is a great demand on this type of activities.