According to the United Nations (UN), 2026 is the International Year of Volunteerism for Sustainable Development, which makes promoting an active and participatory society even more relevant. Encouraging care for others and community involvement is essential to strengthen social cohesion and collective well-being.
In this context, the Pedalar Sem Idade Portugal, a non-profit movement that promotes outdoor rides for seniors and people with reduced mobility, shares three actions that contribute to more meaningful social participation.
1 | Joining local initiatives
Engagement with associations, community projects, or local movements is a close and direct way to create positive impact, strengthen relationships and reinforce the sense of belonging to the community, while also demonstrating appreciation and support for the region’s initiatives.
2 | Regular volunteering
Regular volunteering is an excellent strategy for avoiding isolation, improving emotional well-being, and reinforcing civic responsibility, so dedicating a few hours per month to a social cause promotes the volunteer’s quality of life and a more empathetic society.
3 | Participating in intergenerational gatherings
Contact with people of different ages, whether through visits, joint activities or moments of conversation, encourages the inclusion of everyone in society, from children to the elderly, combating prejudices and valuing the exchange of experiences.
“Active participation is, without a doubt, one of the pillars of a healthier society focused on mutual aid,” explains Leonor Pedro, Executive Director of Pedalar Sem Idade Portugal. “Actions that may seem simple, when carried out consistently, have a profound positive impact, both on our health and on the well-being of the community at large.”
Pedalar Sem Idade Portugal supports and promotes social involvement across a broad range of areas for the construction of a more inclusive, supportive and participatory community.
Registrations to join this movement are available here.
