Anemos Nautical & Cultural Club, through a grant of the TIMA Charitable Foundation, implemented “Blue-Green Paths”, an outdoor exercise program for seniors in Chania and the surrounding area. The program combined gentle physical activities with ecopsychology practices.
The Blue-Green Paths program was implemented with the goal of promoting active and healthy ageing through exercise in nature, social participation, and practices in wellness and ecopsychology. The program built upon the experience of the Erasmus-funded Blue-Green Exercise project, adapting the philosophy of blue and green exercise to the needs of older adults in the local community. Throughout the duration of the 10-month program, weekly sessions took place in 4 different locations in Chania and the surrounding area. The program included: gentle exercise in nature, walking, mobility and balance exercises, exercises using assistive equipment and resistance bands, breathing and relaxation exercises, mindfulness activities, and experiential eco-psychology practices. The variety of locations and activities helped maintain participants’ interest and allowed the program to be adapted to their different needs and abilities. At the same time, a Protocol for Exercise and Well-being in Nature was developed, which included practical guidelines and contributed to the creation of a methodology that can continue to be utilized even after the completion of the funded program.
