FVG ON THE MOVE: 10,000 Steps to Health, Key Findings, 2019–2026

Europe

Gianna Zamaro

Consultant of the FVG Region Former Director of Health, Social Policies and Disability Directorate

The Project over the years To date (March 2026), 138 out of a total of 215 municipalities have joined the project, having established 129 routes across the Friuli Venezia Giulia region, covering a total distance of approximately 800 kilometres Of the 129 initiatives launched as part of the project, 116 involve individual municipalities, whilst the remaining 13 are ‘inter-municipal’ initiatives, covering between two and four municipalities, through specific cooperation agreements. The project has had a significant impact on the region, both in terms of the size of the area covered and the population potentially involved. In particular, 64% of the region’s municipalities have joined the project. Taking into account the resident population in the areas involved – including the four regional capitals and other small and medium-sized municipalities – the project includes a total of 88% of the region’s residents: of these, 86% of people over 65 and 88% of those under 15 will be able to benefit from the activities organised along the routes established. The location of the routes and the relevant local authorities within the region depends on the specific criteria set out in the call for proposals, with a view to facilitating access: these are to be ‘predominantly pedestrian’ routes that are easily accessible, safe and have minimal or no gradient. Between July 2020 and March 2026, 102 of the 129 routes were launched, with a total of around 2,800 people taking part, including regional and local administrators, citizens and representatives of associations. In addition to the original project, which focused on the identification of routes by local municipalities and the creation of signage and related wayfinding with a coordinated visual identity – managed by Federsanità ANCI FVG in collaboration with the contracted firm – following the installation of the signs and the promotion of the routes, three further major strands of initiatives were launched in response to requests from numerous citizens and associations: - Short theoretical and practical courses/sessions for “Walking Group Leaders” and, more generally, for anyone interested in walking in a group (covering the benefits of exercise and useful tips for “walking safely”) - Gymnastics courses for adults aged 55 and over in municipal gyms provided “free of charge” by local councils, running in two sessions: October 2022–May 2023 and October 2023–April 2024, again in collaboration with local councils, associations and NGOs (e.g. UTE, Pro Loco, sports clubs, etc.). The courses were organised by the association of graduates in Sports Science, ASD “Sport & Fun”, coordinated by the leader of the Master’s Degree Course in Sports Science, Department of Medicine, University of Udine. A total of 35 local authorities took part in the two editions – the second of which was unplanned but organised in response to high demand from participants. Some of these authorities repeated the courses, and overall participation stood at 1,150 people aged over 55, with 600 taking part in the first edition and 550 in the second. - “Health Walks”, i.e. guided walks along the “10,000 Steps to Health” routes, were launched in spring 2024 and ran until spring 2026; they were led mainly by graduates in Sports Science, coordinated by A.S.D. “Sport&Fun”, who incorporated some simple exercises (stretching, gentle gymnastics, breathing exercises, etc.) into the walks, always under the supervision of a University professor from the Department of Medicine at the University of Udine. This initiative began in 2024 and, to date, has seen the organisation of 60 walks with the support of around 75 instructors (including up to two per walk) and the participation of approximately 2,800 residents. All the initiatives were coordinated and promoted by Federsanità ANCI FVG and the Central Health Directorate and ANCI FVG, in collaboration with the local municipalities, local associations, the University of Udine, A.S.D. “Sport & Fun”, the regional association of graduates in Sports Science, and dozens of local associations working with the local municipalities. In view of the data presented above, the project has achieved and exceeded the objectives initially set out in the “Regional Prevention Plan – Active Communities”, as well as those indicated in the communications from the Central Health Directorate, subsequently specified in the ARCS FVG Call for Proposals – Decision No. 362 of 10 June 2024, published on the ARCS FVG Public Notice Board, with the approval/award to Federsanità ANCI FVG of the public call for the identification of a proposal for interventions to be eligible for funding under the regional project “FVG in Movimento – 10,000 Steps to Health’. Thanks to the initiatives launched across the FVG region, numerous activities have been organised, such as opening ceremonies, meetings and walks, which have seen the active participation of thousands of people who are increasingly interested in group walks, both for the physical exercise and to discover the various locations within the region’s diverse landscape. Through a wide range of initiatives across the region, the project has helped to create new opportunities for socialising, wellbeing, human connections and contact with nature, promoting inclusion whilst, at the same time, enhancing the environment and local communities. The strategic role played by local municipalities and NGOs – which form the backbone of all these activities, hitherto provided free of charge thanks to funding from the Region – has served as a key point of reference and has fostered the partnerships and genuine ‘alliances for health and active ageing’. This has generated a multiplier effect that continues to grow over time, thanks to the independent initiatives of the local councils and the commitment and enthusiasm of many citizens and volunteers. Thanks to the guidebook detailing all the routes, this project has helped to boost tourism in the region. Preliminary results Two surveys, two perspectives → Over the past few months, two parallel surveys have been launched using questionnaires aimed at two different target groups: local councillors/mayors and members of the public. → The survey aimed at mayors and local councillors seeks to explore attitudes towards the promotion of health and well-being, the feasibility of local initiatives, the obstacles encountered and future prospects. → The survey aimed at citizens, on the other hand, examines physical activity, perceived well-being, participation in activities and an evaluation of the “FVG in movimento – 10,000 steps to health” project. → Both surveys evaluate the project from different perspectives: the institutional/administrative perspective and that of citizens/users. 1. Survey aimed at mayors and local councillors in the region Project strengths: the project is seen not only as an initiative promoting physical activity, but also as a means of fostering social interaction, enhancing the local area and promoting well-being Project weaknesses: organisational sustainability, public engagement and the continuity of initiatives 2. Survey of citizens in the Region Analysis of the 8 items relating to perceived effectiveness suggests two main dimensions (factor analysis): a dimension of engagement/community and a dimension of perceived improvement in health and emotional well-being. Three profiles emerge (cluster analysis): engaged and active participants, occasional participants/light engagement, and autonomous active participants with more limited perceived benefits. These profiles should not be interpreted as rigid classifications, but as tools to guide communication, support, inclusion and the consolidation of active communities Among those who are familiar with and take part in the project, it is clear that, beyond simply walking, it succeeds in fostering motivation, establishing exercise routines and providing opportunities for socialising. Alongside a core group of highly committed participants, there are also those who take part more occasionally or independently: this suggests that, whilst the project is capable of fostering groups of highly motivated and active individuals, there is still scope to strengthen continuity, inclusion and a sense of belonging. Conclusions A regional network on the move. The initiatives launched across the entire region have promoted walks, gatherings and events involving thousands of people, who are increasingly interested in physical activity, socialising and exploring the local area. → Health, wellbeing and active communities. The project has fostered new opportunities for wellbeing, human connections, inclusion and contact with nature, contributing to the growth of more active and engaged communities. → The central role of local councils and associations. Thanks to collaboration between the Region, local councils, associations and volunteers, local networks and new ‘alliances for health and active ageing’ have been developed. → A heritage to be promoted. ‘FVG in movimento – 10,000 steps to health’ now represents a concrete example of health promotion and local participation, a regional asset in which to continue investing. The project has a strong social media presence: 10,261 followers on its dedicated Facebook page 111,434 views in the last 60 days (+69.8% compared to the previous period). The page serves as a valuable source of information on the project’s activities and related initiatives for both followers and non-followers. The “10,000 Steps to Health” project is a tangible expression of a Friuli Venezia Giulia that is active, engaged and on the move – a rich heritage that deserves to be promoted and in which it is worth investing.

Family Unit, Parents, Children & Youth, Women, Older Person / Disabilities, Other

2026

2019–2026

There has been, and still is, a sense of consistency over time

The project has an evaluation plan developed in collaboration with the Departement of Statistical and Economic Sciences of University of Udine. It has been monitored and evaluated every year

Governments (national, regional, local), Public administration, Social protection system, Service sector (Educational and childcare institutions), Healthcare providers, Public agencies, NGOs, Religious organizations, Other: University of Udine

Keep the project active and recruit new municipalities in the Region