Fundraiser for the seniors

- My mother often sat still and didn’t get much movement. Tone explains that she met another volunteer who had raised money for other equipment for the elderly, and they began discussing how Motiview and indoor bicycles could open up opportunities for increased physical activity in everyday life for all seniors. They did some research and discovered that Motiview and the bikes had previously been used in the municipality of Kristiansund.

- In 2015, we actually had Motiview in the municipality as part of a project, and many of the staff remember it and have missed the positive effect it had, Tone shares.

Health-promoting cycling

The Norwegian Nurses Organisation's (NSF) Specialist Group for Orthopedic Nurses ran the project Health-Promoting Cycling for over a year at Rokilde Nursing Home in Kristiansund. They wanted to examine whether training through regular indoor cycling sessions accompanied by music and video, including footage from local streets, could motivate elderly residents to exercise.

In a 2015 article in the magazine Sykepleien (a Norwegian nursing magazine), they described how physical activity reduced falls and fracture injuries by improving strength and balance. However, the municipality did not continue the project, and the bikes were stored away in the basement of the nursing home.

It all started with a crowdfunding campaign

Eventually, Tone met Hege Høvstad, who also had a mother living in assisted housing. Together, they launched a successful project to raise funds.

- We started a crowdfunding campaign in a hurry, managed to locate the bikes from the 2015 project, and brought them up from the basement. Suddenly, we were up and running.

The project received a lot of attention in the local newspaper, and word spread quickly around the city.

- Many people came up to us with feedback and suggestions on where we could apply for funding. We’ve received so much support from all sides, so it’s been a lot of fun, Tone says with a smile.

Businesses and politicians on board

It wasn’t just private individuals who contributed; local businesses also donated both small and large amounts.

- Hege has been out presenting the project to different companies. She’s been amazing at getting them on board, says Tone.

Now, the two energetic women have taken the matter to the municipal level. They are working to get the municipality to cover the ongoing operational costs. They say they’ve spoken with local politicians who have brought the matter to both the city council and the executive committee.

- We’ve started this, so now they have to continue it. They have no choice, says the two passionate ladies.