Cycling without age | Ole Kassow | TEDxCopenhagenSalon

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” - 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)

[@chrisjeffery7519]

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.

[@PeepalBaba-Givemetrees]

🌿🌿🌿 beautiful 🙏

[@AdityaPandey-cr5xy]

I read you brother।

[@davenorth3750]

Watching this has made me realise how good cycling is for me. I love cycling and would recommend everyone to get a bike.

[@jl5177]

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!

[@FrankF-vp4pt]

Very awesome! From the states, thank you!! We need safe bicycle pathways throughout the USA. Our health and lives would be enrichened..

[@craigclaeys6158]

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.

[@douglasstraight3648]

I’m 74 and have been cycling all my life and enjoying great health in my later years. Health is the key for experiencing the golden years later in life. This is so awesome, Ole. I could see myself doing the same as you are doing even at my age. Age is only a number is certainly true. Thanks and Aloha.

[@timothyreid5753]

Douglas I really agree with everything you have said,I have been cycling for almost 25 years,and I am 59,next month.Along the way I have almost 25 years of all the distances and mileages all logged in detail.Since this all started,I have had a quality of life unsurpassed,cycling not only is the best form of exercise,It also has a transformational nature.I recently was positive for covid-19,but I still went out cycling and as a result I booted out this virus in record time,and yet I see people younger than me really struck down with this,and all of them have tiredness and fatigue.But because exercise raises the body temperature,I gave the virus a very difficult time,and I guess it didnt have much chance of multiplying!

[@martinworkens6130]

Unhealthy to cycle in California. Dangerous drivers.,

[@EpiscopalHomesMN]

We are thrilled to welcome our first Trishaw bicycle to Episcopal Homes of MN, the end of August. Our community simply cannot wait!!

[@billwilliams9527]

Bully for you Ted, what a story and what a contribution you make. My story, I live in an over 55 community, I'm 88 years, I cycle 10 to 15 miles most days weather permitting, I am blessed and life is good. Again, big kudos to sir for doing what you do. As one gets older the world becomes a more lonely place, and so you and your fine group are enhancing lives of those seniors you meet.

[@ldreese33]

This is one of the best talks I have seen. It brought a smile to my face.

[@Larry93215]

I'm 60 been cycling 56 years have no fear of not riding when I get to old I've got lots of miles to remember

[@maxdonaldson861]

My grandparents have recently given up cycling. I look forward to giving them this opportunity some time in the future

[@rahbor]

Give this men a Medal please !

[@barrysiff815]

So awesome! can't wait to get involved with the Tempe, AZ chapter of Cycling without Age. 👊

[@mrjleex]

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.

[@MorganHyde-ie5ru]

I would love to see these older folks, those that can, be able to ride again. This is a beautiful story and these folks are offering a generous gift, but how wonderful would it be to see protected bike lanes and recumbent bike for these older people so that they don't have to give up healthy movement yet? Just thinking about it. It would be so nice.

[@handoftheking4123]

Fantastic man. Started crying when you talked about what it meant to the people from the nursing homes.

[@tessjones5987]

Cycling is a great way to get out of depression and alocoholism.

[@bruin4937]

Brilliant and Bravo, Ole! Most of my professional life has been working with older adults and I think this Cycling Without Age program should be expanded internationally.

[@PaulaDTozer]

Bravo! Super wonderful!

[@MarkusBeher]

What an amazing presentation and what a wonderful thing to do. Well done, Ole, you are an inspiration!

[@anoshya]

My wife and I are 65 and cycle around London for miles each week yet rarely see people over 50 on bikes ..so sad as cycling is a great low impact exercise with both physical and mental benefits..great video..come on older citizens get on your bikes!

[@k2cph]

You're so right. I keep my Mum on her bike here in Copenhagen and she is now 78. For longer rides I invite her into the rickshaw and then we walk a few miles when we get to our destination. If you're interested in joining Cycling Without Age in London, you can find out more information here: www.timeandtalents.org.uk/index.php/cycling-without-age-southwark/ Cheers, Ole

[@gourami7]

Void 007 Not sure where or when you've been in London but there are a ton of men over 50 including myself cycling in London and has there been a huge boom generally all over UK.

[@7Earthsky]

I bought a bike just recently and i'm 45....I always feel excited about it...It's a joyful experience.

[@petercatterall7107]

60 yrs old 25 miles a day

[@davidc3696]

I’ve been doing 100 miles a week at 63 yrs age. Working part time with 20 mile journey each way daily Now starting this trishaw riding in Dorset

[@jonathanstringer1159]

What a fantastic story and an incredible human being! If only we were all a little more like Ole.

[@simonwarren6899]

What a wonderfully brilliant idea. Thank you for inspiring so many. Me included. I am just joining the UK site

[@newavatar2947]

I'm turning 45 on May 27,2018 and I'm making biking my new passion and hobby.I suffer from PTSD and it seems like the bike is one of the few activities which relieves the symptoms.I am now a happy commuter!

[@victoriadelmar5518]

God bless all the cycling folks

[@annajay8515]

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.♥

[@mgmartin51]

Bravo!

[@KrunchyJD]

This is brilliant, this should happen in every city, not just around Denmark, but around the world..

[@benzminibusdoc]

I remember my Grandpa telling me that he used to walk to his workplace 12 km distance in the 1920s, since he couldn't afford a cycle then. In the early 1960s he would still be going around on his cycle, until, since he had difficulty getting off, he broke his ankle, and within 2 weeks in the hospital he died, at age 88. The cycle was a great means of empowerment for him

[@michaelmiraglia7759]

Cycling

[@robertcaffrey6097]

The world has changed so much in only 100 years, it was common back in the time of your grandpa for working class people to walk long distances to and from work in all sorts of weather and now days its common for 16 yr olds to own high powered cars.

[@alanroberts7916]

My Dr. told me most men die in their 70s. So to make it to 88 was a tribute to your Grandfather and his 🚲. Good luck!!!

[@nicklaz6986]

Bravo Ole ! you are a credit to mankind.

[@crism3lo]

Asset

[@jeriryan6798]

You have conviced me, I'm going to go down my local nursing home tonight and asking if I can bring out an old lass for a good ride.

[@gardenboots7464]

The JOY is contagious!! :)

[@rameshbabu6318]

Wonderful Ole..... Love from India ❤

[@philipwoodford6286]

I do love a good story and he tells great stories thank you

[@wessager8659]

Truly a beautiful movement.

[@seattlegrrlie]

This made my cry. So beautiful

[@user-fs4ln2yq9q]

I am from Ethiopia and I'm approaching to 60 I always cycle and it helps me alot unless you ride you may not know its importance....

[@Sturdyhart]

Amazing idea! My Mom loved it! Thank you from British Columbia Canada!

[@SueWithoutHelmet]

Oh, so amazing and so moving ... gulp ... unbelievable ... can't stop the tears rolling down my cheeks ... beautiful

[@davypig571]

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.

[@cherylfreiberg2346]

I had the honor of meeting Ole today in Oshkosh Wisconsin. Loved hearing all the stories of how this has such a positive impact on peoples lives. I am so proud that Lutheran Homes in Oshkosh was able to bring this program to Oshkosh with the help of so many.....I look forward to being a Pilot in this program and creating relationships

[@santanaalfonso]

When i use my bicycle i feel so happy

[@SanskritFritz]

Amazing story, really. The bike changes lives. It has certainly changed mine.

[@cyclingjoe7663]

I’m a volunteer pilot in a Exeter, UK, it’s wonderful x

[@147mooka]

One of the most touching things that I've ever heard... From EGYPT with love :))

[@PedalingDave]

I have sit and watched several videos of how riding a bike changes lives. I'm so moved by the great stories that are being shared. Thank you.

[@Kanoemirate]

An amazing experience. A very humane work. I just hope My country Nigeria will embrace cycling. There's happiness in cycling. My children's faces always beam with happiness Everytime we are riding bike 🚴‍♀️🚴🚲

[@roberthansen1431]

Started crying myself .

[@ngc_au]

Simply amazing, bravo. What a difference you have made to their lives.

[@Pawgee]

I have shared this with the thousands of citizens of Bentonville, Arkansas who love biking and sharing life

[@garethwatkins6347]

What a brilliant video god bless you ole

[@angel661984]

Truly remarkable. I wish we had this all over the world and people with empathy and kindness. Immense respect for this man. Hats off and God bless this community 🤗

[@catherinegolding9963]

Absolutely a great idea, and how healthy and inclusive for older people. Where do we start?

[@dondo4341]

Awesome

[@bobberry6028]

I would love to do this and I'm 70 years old, not take a rider but be the person who is doing the pedaling. What a great idea

[@ravindraswami89008]

Happy belated birthday Bob you're 72 now

[@bobberry6028]

@@ravindraswami89008 Thank you very much, I'm now 73 and still cycling, not a fast but just as far and I hope to do this up into my 90. Thanks for the message

[@ravindraswami89008]

@@bobberry6028 sure Bob take care ! I've started cycling and it is an amazing feeling just did a small 25 km ride today !

[@bobberry6028]

@@ravindraswami89008 That is a good ride, remember to always enjoy the ride even if it is all uphill and into the wind.

[@uktrailstrekker8851]

@@bobberry6028 Great advice, I would also like to congratulate you on cycling at the age of 73. You are an embodiment of human endeavour and perseverance. I wish you many happy years of cycling to 90 and beyond!

[@tourdumondelitteraire]

This is the best thing I've heard in while. LOVE the idea!

[@deborahkay7819]

Such an amazing story and idea! What a special person to spread such joy!

[@aeolus1982]

how can you have that presentation and not crying the whole time ?

[@crism3lo]

He already cried enough

[@metersfan]

This is the best Ted X talk I've seen. What a great idea.

[@ralphchristianson]

I agree, such joy and happiness you brought into their lives, it would be lovely if they could be out every week.

[@bikeboomer8413]

Impacting lives in such a good way without age barriers is what life is all about. It is so good to see how the faces of the elderly light up with smiles.

[@JohanSandgren1973]

Made me teary and cry from joy!

[@brentfaulk5852]

I want to do this in Denver!!!

[@thomasmatta7188]

outstanding ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯

[@saranbhatia8809]

Great initiative great service way to go 👍

[@ayushaggarwal3045]

One of the best ted talks I have come around.

[@user-xp3vd9ux5t]

the feel of independence, being in control of your destiny, where to stop when to stop without hesitation, personifying your style with creativity, creating new bonds that last a lifetime-definition of cycling

[@anapalma2906]

We need this NOW in the UK.

[@daniele_go]

I could have never imagined this could exist...and I found this presentation really fantastic, well done!

[@k2cph]

Hi Daniele, thank you very much. If you want to learn more or perhaps be involved in starting a chapter near you, please get in touch with us: cyclingwithoutage.org/ (we're in 29 countries now, maybe also yours).

[@drew031127]

And now this is coming to my town of La Porte, Indiana! Meeting is next Tuesday...so excited!

[@k2cph]

Welcome to La Porte, Indiana :)

[@lloid6619]

Acta sanctorum. What a heart-warming and altruistic act.

[@marksip01234]

Age is no barrier to exercise. I have just turned 60 and decided to go from fairly fit to as fit as i can - when you reach middle age you need to exercise more, not less - controlled of course to avoid injury. I switched to cycling in April this year, did 500 miles around Wales in the summer (bike packing) - joined my local cycle club and do regular 100 mile rides. My V02 max is back up to 44 and increasing as I add HIIT training.

[@cww922]

What an amazing story!

[@k2cph]

Hi Chuck, we have several great chapters of Cycling Without Age in Texas: cyclingwithoutage.com/chapters-usa/ We would be happy to see you join us :-) Cheers, Ole

[@nathangabrielsogue764]

I wish we could do that here in my country, the Philippines...Very nice..God bless you..

[@PeepalBaba-Givemetrees]

bicycle stories 🌿🌿🙏

[@gregnixon1296]

What a wonderful story.

[@istiundcaro]

What a great idea 💡👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@Gloria-Stits]

Fantastic! 5 people dislike this? I pity them, they must be so sad 😭

[@dznm10]

Probably they never had the chance to ride the rickshaw!

[@Jorge_Rodriguez83]

Or ride any kind of bicycle whatsoever.

[@alexyegon2381]

Car lovers, they are.

[@crism3lo]

31 sad people now

[@juliamarple3058]

Mick Buckley people who live in steep hills. Cycling then becomes less enjoyable 🥵

[@maximiliano1761]

What a nice story.

[@rjlee]

I love this. Truly inspiring! It makes me want to put my fitness to to good use and bring value again into the life of someone elderly.

[@petercatterall7107]

Absolutely beautiful and we'll done Sir

[@someutubchannel69]

Human Kindness!!

[@LeithaHeine]

Amazing story. Thank you for the inspiration!

[@avasalvatore1643]

Love this so much!

[@Old-DrO]

Very powerful and moving emotional story. Thx

[@mbakpandanjaya8976]

Should there be a joy in life of exercise.. Here we cycles together.. Love from Malaysia..

[@andresbElSerBiologico]

Just awesome!!

[@ericloquero3854]

I'm from Philippines, in Asia. Well done sir. thumbs up4u

[@Robbie7441]

Great talk respect to you sir. 🖒👍👏👏👏👏👏

[@theoutdoordad7395]

Beautiful story!

[@2wheelsrbest327]

Well done Ole great video and even better idea. Three years on and we have this scheme locally in Brighton. Wouldn't mind betting you were their inspiration.

[@robertkirk4387]

Bloody well done mate

[@p.w.klaren685]

Amazing!!! Great idea! That makes life beautiful!!!

[@ireneange5247]

I am a Caregiver to my 89 yr old Father who has Dementia. He lives with me.. Of course my season in life has changed. I used to be physical every day.. But, as a Caregiver, your time is now for your loved one. How can I acquire your Bike? My Father would love the ride with wind in his hair and I would love the mobility again to do this♥

[@HITECHJELS]

try to find cargo ebikes on the web.. and refine your search using “for carrying people”

[@Mantis858585]

Might also help him with psilocybin mushrooms.

[@stevepratt9535]

Well done !!

[@peteinozi]

You are just AMAZING ! ! well done , , from South Australia .

[@wash771]

Really touching.

[@TurkiyeCumhurbaskani]

So wonderful

[@pygmalion1963]

On a visit to Copenhagen I got off the train I was shocked to see thousands of bikes parked up around the station compare that to the UK where you find not more than few dozen at any one time

[@7Earthsky]

Visit Cambridge...You'll find thousands of bikes parked up around the station also....Sadly, that's the only town i've seen that many bicycles.

[@henkoosterink8744]

David Downey You better not visit a dutch town.

[@Derek-lz8cg]

Amsterdam Centraal station will blow your mind!

[@philutcher4302]

1h of commuting burns 500 kcal btw. 1h of training burns 700-900 kcal 1h of driving a car burns $10 in gas.

[@shankarpatil4713]

Love your idea and commitment