We have carried out an impact study of our service

We have done research on the benefits of Gubbe's service. We aimed to discover how our elderly service affects older people's outdoor activities, physical activity, loneliness and quality of life.
- Gubbe's impact study has been conducted in 7 boroughs in Finland. The pilots usually last 4-6 months, and they include the measurement of e.g. customers' activity and amount of outdoor activities.
- Participants were home-dwelling older adults who's average age was 82 years. Data were collected from 67–76 people.
- The research material has been collected in 2022 from impact studies that were carried out in cooperation with the boroughs pilots. The study period was 3–12 months. The research material has been collected from the first two months to maintain comparability.
Get to know the results

OUTDOORS

Gubbe's service has been proven to double the number of weekly outdoor activities*

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*Gubbe's impact study has been conducted in 7 boroughs. The pilot usually lasts 4-6 months, and during it it includes the measurement of e.g. customers' activity and amount of outdoor activities.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITY

Outdoor exposure is a basic human necessity, and the lack of it threatens the ability to function. Going outdoors not only improves physical ability but also the quality of life and self-determination (Age Institute 2015c).
In total, the amount of weekly outdoor activities more than doubled after 2 months of Gubbe visits. The number of outdoor activities started to increase right after the first Gubbe visit.

THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE GOING OUTDOORS

Due to the fear of falling and problems with their functional ability, many elderly cannot move out of their homes and therefore limit their activities (Age Institute 2015a; Merchant et al. 2020). Gubbe visits allow the elderly to enjoy the fresh air and bring safety to outdoor activities.
The number of people going out increased significantly with the Gubbe service. 80% of the elderly who did not go outdoors before the Gubbe visits started going outside at least once a week after the Gubbe visits.

CHANGE IN THE NUMBER OF OUTDOOR SESSIONS

The more frequently the elderly have the opportunity to go outside and exercise, the better their health is (Age Institute 2015 b).

The daily number of steps is associated with the condition of the respiratory and circulatory system, the muscle strength of the lower limbs, and well-being (Harada et al. 2017). Gubbe inspires the elderly to go outdoors even outside of the Gubbe visits.
Gubbe visits also benefit the elderly who already visit outdoors regularly. The number of people who went out more than three times a week more than tripled with Gubbe visits.

ACTIVITY

Gubbe's service has been proven to double the number of weekly physical activity sessions*

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*Gubbe's impact study has been conducted in 7 boroughs. The pilot usually lasts 4–6 months, including the measurement of, e.g. customers' physical activity and amount of outdoor activities.

REGULAR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Regular physical activity helps in daily activities and prevents falls. Even light physical activity improves blood circulation and fat metabolism and increases joint and muscular flexibility. (UKK Institute 2019.)
In total, weekly physical activity sessions more than doubled after two months of Gubbe visits. The number of physical activity sessions started to increase right after the first Gubbe visit.

THE NUMBER OF ACTIVE PEOPLE

Inactivity is among the four biggest risk factors for death (WHO 2009) and the disadvantages of inactivity are comparable to smoking (Lee et al. 2012). A week of bed rest can reduce muscle strength by 25% (Timonen 2007). The Gubbe Helper encourages and helps with exercising.
The number of active people increased substantially with the service - 70% of the elderly who were inactive before the Gubbe visits started to exercise at least once a week.

CHANGE IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

In addition to endurance training and light physical activity, people over 65 should practice balance, flexibility and muscle strength at least twice a week. It is also recommended to have breaks from sitting as often as possible. (UKK Institute 2019.) Gubbe visits help maintain and develop functional ability in the way the customer wishes.
Gubbe visits also benefit older people who are already active. The number of elderly customers who did physical activity more than three times a week almost tripled with Gubbe visits. Most of the visits included stair and chair exercises, stretching and walking.
Compassionate care for a better quality of life.
Gubbe is the UK’s most effective elderly care service that supports the elderly to stay independent and active. We help with everything from household chores and guided exercises to caregiving tasks. The service is available to private homes and nursing homes - throughout Greater London.
Read about Gubbe's impact studies here!
Gubbe was founded in the Nordics in 2018, originally from Finland – the happiest country in the world.
‍Contact us:
info@gubbe.com