This citizen science project works with citizens to develop and test a safe, group-based walking program in shopping centres. The goal is to promote physical activity, social connection, and well-being in later life.
What are the aims of the project?
The aim of the project is to work together with older adults to develop and test a practical, safe, and motivating physical activity program in shopping centres. By walking together in groups, and facilitating social interaction, the project seeks to promote physical activity, social connection, and well-being. As a citizen science project, it invites citizens to actively participate, share their experiences, and help develop the program. At the same time, the project examines how feasible such an offer is in everyday life and what conditions are needed to enable long-term participation by as many older people as possible.
How can you participate in the project?
Interested citizens can take part in the project by sharing their experiences, needs, and ideas in interviews, discussions, or workshops. They can help co-design the activity program, provide feedback, and develop new ideas. Some participants may also become peer leaders and support walking groups. In this way, citizens actively help ensure that the program is practical, easy to understand, and feasible in everyday life.
Background of Mall-Walking Austria
Summary
Many people are not sufficiently physically active in their daily lives, particularly in later adulthood. This can be due to a lack of suitable opportunities, concerns about safety or confidence when moving around, and practical barriers such as weather conditions or mobility limitations. At the same time, opportunities for social interaction—an important contributor to motivation and well-being—are often limited.
Shopping centres offer a safe, accessible, and weather-independent environment where both physical activity and social interaction can take place. In several countries, mall-walking programs—organised walking groups held in shopping centres—have been successfully used to promote physical activity and social connection among older adults.
Mall-Walking Austria is a citizen science project led by the University for Continuing Education Krems and supported by international partners. The project introduces this approach to Austria for the first time. As part of a pilot study at the SCS shopping centre, a walking program is co-developed and tested together with citizens. The aim is to understand under which conditions such a program is well accepted, feasible in everyday life, and able to create sustainable, long-term benefits.
The project focuses developing a welcoming, feasible program for older adults. Everyone is welcome, especially individuals who currently spend little or no time being active or being outside the home or who would like to feel safer when being physically active.
Citizen Science
Mall-Walking Austria follows a citizen science approach, meaning that citizens are actively involved in the project.
Participants contribute their experiences, ideas, and feedback and help to shape the program step by step—from identifying needs and barriers, to co-designing the program, to supporting its implementation and evaluation.
No prior knowledge is required. Participation is voluntary, flexible, and can vary in intensity. All contributions are valued and reflected upon collaboratively.
Who Can Take Part?
Participation is particularly open to:
- Adults aged around 60 years and older
- Relatives, caregivers, and professionals who live or work with older adults
- Individuals interested in physical activity, social connection, and co-creation
No prior experience or specific physical requirements are necessary.
How Can Citizen Scientists Contribute?
Citizen scientists can get involved in different ways, depending on their interests and availability:
- Sharing experiences
Talking about what makes physical activity easier or more difficult in everyday life (e.g. in conversations or group discussions). - Exchange and workshops
Taking part in moderated groups or workshops, either online or in person. - Co-designing the program
Providing feedback on ideas, materials, and processes and contributing to the ongoing development of the program. - Supporting implementation
Assisting with practical delivery, for example as supportive walking group leaders (following introduction and guidance). - Feedback and dissemination
Sharing perspectives on feasibility and helping to communicate experiences in an accessible way.
Participation in the mall-walking program itself is voluntary and not required in order to contribute as a citizen scientist. Involvement is possible at different stages of the project and is not tied to fixed dates.
Scientific Collaboration
The project is supported by an interdisciplinary team with expertise in health, motivation, behaviour, physical activity, economics, and inclusive, practice-oriented health research.
These perspectives come from Austria, Denmark, and Australia, including experience from countries where mall-walking programs have been successfully implemented for many years.
The University for Continuing Education Krems is responsible for the local implementation in Austria and ensures close, practice-oriented project coordination.
Funding
The project is funded by the Gesellschaft für Forschungsförderung Niederösterreich (GFF).
Team
Das Projekt wird von der Universität für Weiterbildung Krems in Zusammenarbeit mit der University of Southern Denmark, der Curtin University und Westfield SCS umgesetzt.
Project lead:
Dr. Marlene Kritz
University for Continuing Education Krems
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