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Mall walking means walking together in a shopping centre.

Mall Walking Austria is a citizen science research project funded by the Lower Austrian Research Promotion Agency (GFF NÖ). The project is led by Dr Marlene Kritz. Together with people aged 60 and over, we are developing an accessible, weather-independent programme that brings movement, social connection and enjoyment together.

Next co-design workshop: 30 July – register now

Together, we are developing Austria’s first evidence-based mall-walking programme.

What is mall walking? Weather-independent. Accessible. Social.

Mall walking uses shopping centres as safe, accessible and weather-protected places for walking and meeting others. Participants can move at their own pace, with no previous experience required.

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Move with confidence

Stay active together—free of charge, at your own pace and without previous experience.

Accessible, easy to reach and protected from heat, cold and rain.

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Experience connection

Meet new people, share enjoyable moments and feel part of a welcoming community.

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Mall Walking Austria on ORF Lower Austria

Watch the television feature

Listen to the Radio Lower Austria feature

Learn more about mall walking – detailed page in German

The research project-more than walking together

Mall Walking Austria combines international research, the lived experience of citizens and specially trained peer leaders in one evidence-informed model. The programme is being co-designed with older adults, family members, professionals, shopping-centre stakeholders and other community partners.

Project Lead and Principal Investigator: Dr Marlene Kritz

International partnership

• University for Continuing Education Krems, Austria: health psychology, health psychology, citizen science and co-design with communities and stakeholders, health economics
• University of Southern Denmark: expertise in physical activity motivation, social support and behaviour change
• Curtin University, Australia: expertise in inclusion, peer-led walking group approaches, clinical psychology and active ageing

What makes the project distinctive?

• an evidence-informed and scientifically developed programme model
• citizen science: developed together with citizens, not merely for them
• specially trained peer leaders