The ACTIVÍDATE programme, driven by the ministries of Health and Education, has incorporated 741 people since its launch in September 2025. The Government announces the opening of four new Active Physical Exercise Units in Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Fuerteventura.
The ACTIVÍDATE programme of the Government of the Canary Islands has enabled 741 sedentary individuals over 55 years old to get moving. The initiative, which started in September 2025 in seven basic health areas, demonstrates that exercise prescription from Primary Care works and is expanding.
Active units: from prescription to habit
Users referred by doctors, nurses, or physiotherapists receive a personalised programme supervised by physical-sport educators. Sessions take place in public spaces provided by municipalities and councils, and participants report improvements in their functional capacity, such as walking longer distances or gaining strength.
Coordination between health centres and the units has been key to maintaining adherence. According to sources from the regional government, most users continue to attend regularly, confirming that structured support reduces drop-out rates.
“We have moved from a verbal recommendation to a public, free service with follow-up,” emphasise those from the Ministry of Health.
Four new units in July and August
On 20 July, the unit at the La Laguna-San Benito Health Centre in Tenerife will open its doors. On 3 August, the Ofra-Delicias Health Centre in Santa Cruz de Tenerife will follow suit. During that same month, the Agüimes Health Centre in Gran Canaria and the Puerto del Rosario Health Centre in Fuerteventura will also join.
With these additions, the ACTIVÍDATE network will increase from seven to eleven units, expanding territorial coverage. The goal is to reach all the islands equitably, prioritising areas with higher rates of sedentary behaviour and an ageing population.
A pioneering model in Spain
This makes the Canary Islands the first autonomous community with a preventive exercise programme covering provincial and inter-island areas. Investment in technology and training for health professionals has been crucial for general practitioners to refer patients quickly and safely.
The majority profile of users consists of individuals over 55 years old, with cardiovascular risk factors and a sedentary lifestyle. Many of them lived socially isolated, and group activities have brought a change to their daily routine.
For residents of the municipalities where the new units are established, the programme represents an opportunity to improve their health at no cost and close to home. The sessions are tailored to each person's capabilities, so no prior sports experience is required.
The Government insists that ACTIVÍDATE is not a one-off programme, but a long-term commitment to active ageing and the prevention of chronicity. Upcoming openings planned for late 2026 will include new basic health areas in La Palma and Lanzarote.
You may also like
