Istanbul Councils Expand Free Senior Fitness Programs Citywide

Older residents across Istanbul have a new reason to lace up their trainers this summer: dozens of new free senior fitness programs, organised by local councils and taking place weekly in parks and neighbourhood halls from Üsküdar to Şişli.

The expansion comes as the city’s over-65 population tops 1.3 million, according to the Turkish Statistical Institute’s most recent 2025 data. With the average lifespan in Istanbul now at 79.1 years, experts say keeping older adults physically active is not just about adding years to life, but quality to those years. "Social isolation and inactivity are two big challenges for Istanbul’s seniors, especially since the pandemic," explained one coordinator at a recent session in Maçka Park, referencing global research that links group fitness to better mobility, mood and social engagement.

Hubs for Health: Kadıköy to Sarıyer

The Kadıköy Council’s Senior Wellness Club, housed in a renovated community centre on Bahariye Caddesi, was among the first to pioneer these programs in 2024. Now, the club’s Monday morning pilates classes routinely attract upwards of 40 participants, most aged between 67 and 81. Just north in Sarıyer, the municipal government cooperates with Acıbadem Health Group to offer supervised Nordic walking sessions along the Bosphorus Running Path, starting near Emirgan Park and winding toward Istinye. Registration is free, and participants only need to bring water and a hat. On the European side, Şişli Belediyesi has launched park-based tai chi and low-impact aerobics at Halaskargazi neighbourhood’s Feriköy Park every Thursday morning.

"I used to think exercise was only for the young," said one silver-haired regular in the Göztepe Yoga Group, who cycles in from Koşuyolu each week. "But now, my neighbours and I meet here, stretch together, and share tea after the session — it has become the heart of my social life." Several programs purposely follow Istanbul’s tradition of communal tea service, offering steaming çay and simit after the cooldown, underscoring the social side of wellness.

Evidence: People Are Showing Up

A 2025 survey from Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality found that participation in local council-run senior fitness events has jumped 37% over the past year. In June alone, more than 5,400 people attended free physical activity classes across the city’s major parks and outdoor venues. A major draw: all programming is free, while similar small-group pilates or yoga classes typically cost upwards of 400 TL per month in private studios. City officials say the council programs are funded through a combination of municipal budget allocations and in-kind support from local businesses and healthcare groups. “We’ve noticed significant reductions in reported falls and hospital visits for those participating regularly,” says an organizer in the Beşiktaş municipality, referencing ongoing tracking of participants’ self-reported health outcomes.

The model is spreading rapidly: in April, Fatih’s municipality unveiled weekly dance therapy and strength sessions at Dr. Mimar Kadir Topbaş Park, while Maltepe initiated a monthly senior walkathon event drawing residents from Küçükyalı and beyond.

How to Get Involved

Seniors—or their children—can sign up for free at their local council’s website or by visiting a community centre in person. Most classes require no prior experience or fitness level, and the majority are accessible for people with limited mobility. The city is piloting a new SMS registration for those who do not use internet banking or smartphones: texting “SAĞLIK65” plus one’s neighbourhood to 153 gets you a call back.

Sessions typically last 45 to 60 minutes, with schedules and locations rotating between major parks—Göztepe Park, Belgrad Forest, and Maçka Democracy Park feature prominently in July’s calendar. For newcomers, city health workers recommend bringing a towel, comfortable shoes, and a friend. As Istanbul’s long afternoons arrive, umbrellas and wide-brimmed hats are encouraged for sun safety. For specific health concerns, consulting with your family doctor or local hospital—such as one of Acıbadem’s polyclinics—is always advised before joining a new fitness regime.