ROWACT is grounded in real evidence produced within the consortium. The project’s starting point is a Portuguese study led by Lusófona University – Porto University Centre (UL-CUP), the scientific partner of ROWACT, titled “Physical activity and physical fitness according to loneliness levels in adults 50+”. The study involved 62 participants (mean age 64.68 ± 6.85), 68% of whom were women, and explored the link between social connectedness and physical activity.
ROWACT is grounded in real evidence produced within the consortium. The project’s starting point is a Portuguese study led by Lusófona University – Porto University Centre (UL-CUP), the scientific partner of ROWACT, titled “Physical activity and physical fitness according to loneliness levels in adults 50+”. The study involved 62 participants (mean age 64.68 ± 6.85), 68% of whom were women, and explored the link between social connectedness and physical activity.
Why women over 50 need targeted opportunities
ROWACT focuses on women 50+ because the intersection of social and physical risks is often sharper in this group.
Social challenges. Estimates suggest that around 13% of Europeans report frequent loneliness, and isolation is linked to higher risk of depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline—some evidence points to a 31% higher dementia risk associated with loneliness. When loneliness becomes routine, motivation drops, habits shrink, and “small” barriers (weather, embarrassment, lack of company) turn into reasons not to move at all.
Physical challenges. Reduced activity can weaken balance, strength, and flexibility, raising the risk of falls and injuries. In Italy, fall-related cases strongly affect women in this age range (reported figures show 58.9% involving women), often with long-term consequences: reduced autonomy, fear of movement, and a higher healthcare burden.
ROWACT directly addresses this double challenge with a simple principle: movement is easier when it’s shared, guided, and enjoyable.
What ROWACT is, and why rowing is the perfect tool
ROWACT unites one university with three rowing clubs in Italy, Slovenia, and Portugal, combining academic expertise with hands-on experience rooted in local communities—often outside major urban centers. This is not a “one-size-fits-all” fitness project. It is a structured program that uses rowing as a safe, progressive, and social form of physical activity to:
- strengthen physical health and reduce injury risk,
- build social inclusion and belonging,
- empower women over 50 to reconnect with their bodies, their confidence, and their community.
Rowing is uniquely suited for this mission. It is low-impact, scalable for different fitness levels, and naturally encourages teamwork and mutual support. It also connects participants to nature—water, air, rhythm—which makes the experience feel less like “exercise” and more like a positive habit you want to return to.
Indoor and outdoor sessions: learning, confidence, and joy
ROWACT offers both indoor and outdoor rowing opportunities:
- Indoor rowing sessions create a supportive environment to learn technique step-by-step, build confidence, and progress safely.
- Outdoor sessions provide a relaxed, nature-connected experience—where the focus is not performance, but wellbeing, enjoyment, and belonging.
Importantly, ROWACT promotes a non-competitive atmosphere. The goal isn’t to “win,” but to feel better, move more, learn something new, and share the journey with others.
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