Case Studies
Heart Foundation Walking
Design Feature
Type of project
Placemaking
State
Australian Capital Territory
Location
Urban, Regional, Rural
The Heart Foundation is a leading Australian not-for-profit health charity, committed to preventing heart disease and improving the heart health and quality of life of all Australians. One of the ways they do this is through their work in prevention; the Heart Foundation delivers innovative, evidence-based programs to support and prevent heart disease in Australia. With one of the most popular and effective programs being Heart Foundation Walking.
Heart Foundation Walking is Australia’s largest free walking program. Since 1995, the program has engaged over 145,000 Australians to start and stay walking, and there are over 1,300 walking groups nationwide. The walking groups connect individuals - building a community of walkers to support participants to improve their physical and mental health, enhancing their overall quality of life.
Heart Foundation Walking is Australia’s largest free walking program. Since 1995, the program has engaged over 145,000 Australians to start and stay walking, and there are over 1,300 walking groups nationwide. The walking groups connect individuals - building a community of walkers to support participants to improve their physical and mental health, enhancing their overall quality of life.
Heart Foundation Walking groups are a community led initiative, aimed at improving public health and reducing the prevalence of heart disease among Australians by encouraging people to engage in physical activity with others, in turn also enhancing social connections.
Each group is led by a volunteer Walk Organiser, who is supported by a Local Coordinator and the Heart Foundation. Walking groups can be any size and walk at various times, days, lengths and levels of difficulty, as determined by the groups Walk Organiser(s).
Australia has physical activity and sedentary guidelines that are recommended for good health. Unfortunately, most Australian adults and older adults fall short of meeting the physical activity recommendations. [1] Data from the 2018-19 national AusPlay survey reported that only a third of Australians aged 55 and over are sufficiently active. [2]
Each group is led by a volunteer Walk Organiser, who is supported by a Local Coordinator and the Heart Foundation. Walking groups can be any size and walk at various times, days, lengths and levels of difficulty, as determined by the groups Walk Organiser(s).
Australia has physical activity and sedentary guidelines that are recommended for good health. Unfortunately, most Australian adults and older adults fall short of meeting the physical activity recommendations. [1] Data from the 2018-19 national AusPlay survey reported that only a third of Australians aged 55 and over are sufficiently active. [2]
For most people, irrespective of age, walking is an easy way to start and maintain an active lifestyle. It doesn’t require special skills, instruction or equipment, it is low impact and has a low risk of injury, and it’s free. This emphasises the importance of programs such as Heart Foundation Walking, as they provide older Australians with easy and affordable opportunities to be active and connected to others. These types of programs are key to achieving enhanced population health, liveability and sustainable communities. A recent survey of Heart Foundation walkers found that 37% of respondents were aged between 60-69 years and a further 51% were aged over 70 years, demonstrating the programs suitability and popularity among older adults. [3]
Heart Foundation Walking is all about community involvement, and the program couldn’t remain accessible and free for everyone without the incredible support of Local Coordinators and volunteer Walk Organisers. Volunteering opportunities are another way older Australians get involved with the program. Such opportunities offer additional health benefits; with research indicating that volunteers are happier, healthier and sleep better than those who don’t volunteer. [4]
It is important to note that the continued success of Heart Foundation Walking is dependent on the accessibility of public places and spaces that support Australians of all ages to be active. Walking routes should provide access to shade, shelter, wayfinding signage, drinking water, places to stop and rest and people should feel safe for communities to be conducive of healthy active ageing; regardless if people walk on their own or in a group - if they walk for leisure or walk for transport - if they are on foot, in a wheelchair or walk with the help of a mobility aid, walking and walkability is important.
Where people live and how connected they are to others influences their ability to be active, as well as their physical and mental health and overall wellbeing. The built environment can either facilitate or discourage physical activity and exercising with others can increase motivation and reduce perceived fears such as safety by walking with others. Community programs that are affordable and accessible, such as Heart Foundation Walking, are central to the ongoing sustainability of healthy active communities.
It is important to note that the continued success of Heart Foundation Walking is dependent on the accessibility of public places and spaces that support Australians of all ages to be active. Walking routes should provide access to shade, shelter, wayfinding signage, drinking water, places to stop and rest and people should feel safe for communities to be conducive of healthy active ageing; regardless if people walk on their own or in a group - if they walk for leisure or walk for transport - if they are on foot, in a wheelchair or walk with the help of a mobility aid, walking and walkability is important.
Where people live and how connected they are to others influences their ability to be active, as well as their physical and mental health and overall wellbeing. The built environment can either facilitate or discourage physical activity and exercising with others can increase motivation and reduce perceived fears such as safety by walking with others. Community programs that are affordable and accessible, such as Heart Foundation Walking, are central to the ongoing sustainability of healthy active communities.
Project team
- Heart Foundation Walking
- Heart Foundation Walking receives funding by the Australian Government the Queensland Government, SportAUS and Brisbane City Council
- It is also supported by (including but not limited to): Local government, private companies, community groups and organisations across Australia
- Volunteers and the community of walkers
Project Cost
- Free for participants
- Running costs ongoing
Health Value
- 93% of respondents of the 2019 Heart Foundation Walking, walker survey reported an increase their overall health from participating in the program.
- Walking for an average of 30 minutes or more a day can lower the risk of heart disease and stroke by 35% percent and Type 2 diabetes by 40%.
- Walking has health benefits even if the physical activity and sedentary guidelines are not met. [1]
- Walking and regular physical activity have been proven to improve health. Walking can help manage weight, blood pressure and cholesterol, reduce the risk of cancer, and maintain bone density, reduced risk of osteoporosis as well as improve balance and coordination, reducing the risk of falls and other injuries.
- Participation in walking groups provide social connections and in turn social support, which are strongly associated with good health and well-being throughout life.
Economic value
- Walking is shown to provide economic benefits to participants such as lowered consumer costs especially in terms of transport and additionally health expenses.
- Walkable neighbourhoods increase accessibility to a mix of land uses (shops, fresh food options, entertainment and health care) which encourage economic stimulation of communities.
- Regular physical activity is associated with lower onset rates of a range of diseases and related public health costs to treating them.
Environmental Value
- More walkers and walking groups create more activated streetscapes, enhancing a sense of surveillance and safety.
- Studies found that walking groups have enhanced psychological and emotional wellbeing when walking outdoors and within natural environments
Social value
- The social aspect of HFW was the main reported reason among respondents of (to?) the 2019 Heart Foundation Walking Walker Survey for their on-going participation in the program.
- Majority of 2019 HFW Survey respondents said they would refer the program to friends and family.
- Organised walking groups provide opportunities for people to connect, helping to reduce the risks associated with isolation.
- HFW - in part due the program’s affordability (free) and widespread reach - is effective in attracting vulnerable members of the community, including; older people, the socially isolated and households on a low income.
Use value
- Of Australia’s total population of 23.4 million people, the population aged 65 years plus has risen by 15.1% - almost a 2% increase between the census years of 2011 and 2016. This larger population of older residents outlines the need for walking groups and improved neighbourhood walkability in order to increase this community’s quality of life.
- Walking group participants feel more connected to their community, motivated and have greater social support, which can safeguard against heart disease and stroke.
- HFW is a free, accessible and inclusive program that supports active living among vulnerable members of the community.
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