This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. After having heard several stories about the older generation missing the freedom, the joy and the mobility of cycling, Ole asked himself: “How can we get these people back on the bicycles?” Ole decided to show up at his local nursing home with a rented rickshaw. This changed his life – and the lives of the passengers and the volunteers who came across Ole and his project, “Cycling Without Age”.

Ole Kassow is the founder of “Cycling Without Age” – http://cyclingwithoutage.org – an initiative which gives senior citizens the opportunity to get out of nursing homes and experience the city and the nature by rickshaw.

Because of Ole, municipalities in several cities across Denmark have now bought rickshaws for their nursing homes and a network of volunteers offer residents the opportunity to venture outside and feel the wind in their hair. This meeting of generations provides a unique opportunity for the elderly to share their stories and experiences, which are often triggered by these trips out into the local environment.

This initiative not only strengthens communities across generations, but it contributes to both physical and mental well-being of the elderly and volunteers, thus giving nursing homes and municipalities a golden opportunity to stimulate and promote health and mobility.

About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

29 Comments

  1. That was a sweet story. It is a great thing to give someone your time and share life like that. How many people have been touched because of that initial idea for giving someome a ride.

  2. I'm 76 and I still cycle. It is very dangerous bc I live in Florida where too many 76 y.o.'s drive autos. They make it very dangerous. I used to live in Sunnyvale CA when I was in my twenties. I rode to work every day on my bike. It was great and I had very few close calls. It was a wonderful place. I've been back there several times and had the pleasure of biking in Marin county, so gorgeous and 50 miles N. of SF in a park on the beach 2500 ft lower. Yep, went to the beach. Too many horses in the park. The pulverized dropping remained in my nasal passages for at least a week, but it was a wonderful place to be on a bike. I'm still a fan and have owned my best bike, a Gazelle for over 50 years.

  3. This brought me to tears of joy. My bicycle is one of the most important things in my life. I wish I could convince more people to try riding a bicycle. It changed my life and made it possible to overcome my depression without medication. This is truly adding value to peoples lives. I wish you the best. You deserve all that life has to offer.

  4. This is literally my 5th bike ted talk this morning xD Bikes truly have the power to change your life! For YEARS i suffered with depression and anxiety, i heard bike riding could help with that but didn't realize it would completely cure it! Best thing i ever did!

  5. Before I'm a drug addict, cigars alcohol because of pandemic now i become a cyclist 🤔 almost 3 years without bad habits 😁🚴‍♂

  6. I love cycling,but i really dont know just one bicycle can do such an incrediabe thing,that is awesome,thany you for your video ,you really inspired me and i really want to sign up for this kind of activity

  7. We have an assisted living residence near our neighborhood. I wanted to get a rickshaw to give rides to them during our neighborhoods National Night Out festivities. When I saw what you've done, and the impact it had, I cried like a baby. Thank you for your empathy and your regard for your older neighbors.

  8. Love the idea👍👏👏👏what a heart warning story! ♥Good on you for making so many people but especially older people so happy and relevant again! God bless you.♥

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