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An app developed as part of the citizen science initiative “Every Walk You Take” helps middle-aged and older people in Barcelona discover eco-friendly routes and live a healthier and more active lifestyle. The initiative is supported by the EU-funded Impetus project, whose aim is to provide access to innovative funding for a wider range of citizen science initiatives. As explained in the journal “Sustainability”, the goal of Every Walk You Take was to create a mobile app that promotes physical activity. The app helps to identify the aspects that promote an active life for people over 55 years old and those that act as obstacles to such a lifestyle. “Through a scientifically proven tool, Every Walk You Take aims to enable citizens to experience an active and healthy ageing process,” explains Maria Grau of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences of the University of Barcelona, coordinator of the initiative and senior author of the study, in a news article in “EurekAlert!”. The app recommends personalized routes around the city, with information on parks, pedestrian lanes and roads. Recommendations are provided based on geolocation, environmental variables (e.g. air quality, climate) and personal preferences (e.g. route difficulty, distance, etc.) Users can also take photos or create voice notes to identify factors that make a particular route easier or more difficult.
Two regional pilots
To test the app, the researchers conducted a pilot study in two repeated seven-day cycles among citizen scientists recruited in lifelong learning centers in Trinitat Vella and Bom Pastor, poor neighborhoods in Barcelona. A total of 21 citizen scientists (86% women, average age 67 years) participated in the pilot study. In the course of the study, real-time data were collected in the form of 112 ecological momentary assessments with photos and audio notes. They reflect the barriers and facilitators of an active life as perceived by the participants. “In this project, we were able to interact with many actors in the Trinitat Vella and Bom Pastor neighborhoods through the adult education centers of both areas,” Professor Grau points out. “The active collaboration of teachers and students from these centers played a decisive role in testing the app prototype in this participatory science initiative.” Every Walk You Take is presented as a sustainable mobile health intervention that promotes healthy living and empowers Barcelona citizens to take control of their own health. In addition, the program allows people to discover new urban landscapes and green spaces, making physical activity a more pleasant and attractive experience. “In future, the aim is to expand the project in phases involving more municipalities across Spain and Europe, creating a real network where citizens have a say in identifying barriers and obstacles on the path to improving their health”, concludes Professor Grau. The Impetus project will end in 2026. For more information, visit the Impetus project website
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impetus, citizen science, app, green route, health, lifestyle, active lifestyle, active living, physical activity
