Minnesota Nursing Communities Embrace Danish Cycling Idea That Puts Older Adults on Wheels

Nursing community residents with limited mobility in Minnesota can avail themselves of the Cycling Without Age program to surmount their physical challenges and get out more, reports the Minneapolis Star Tribune . Based on a concept that originated in Denmark, the program has spread to more than 40 countries. Cycling Without Age is promoted as a way to help older men and women combat feelings of loneliness and isolation. The program is currently set up at two St. Paul senior communities, and another 24 will be initiating or expanding such programs after the state's Department of Human Services informed them earlier this month that they will each be given $6,000 grants. The Minnesota Veterans Home in Minneapolis was one of the first in the state to start Cycling Without Age last fall, with funding from the Stratis Health nonprofit. Staff and volunteers pilot two trishaws nearly every weekday at the community. "I think it takes them out of . . . their ordinary routine," says coordinator Erin Betlock.