How to stay fall-free into old age

Every year, around 83,000 people aged 65 and over fall in Switzerland. These falls cause material costs amounting to billions. But falls in old age need not be a problem. The Swiss Council for Accident Prevention (BFU) and Pro Senectute Switzerland, together with three other partners, are today launching the "Stand safely - walk safely" campaign. It provides information on www.sichergehen.ch over 500 courses for balance and strength training and shows exercises to do at home.

Falls with serious consequences
Almost nothing is the same after a fall. 1330 people over 60 die every year as a result of a fall, 12,000 suffer a hip fracture. But even less serious injuries can be serious. Older people often lose their independence after breaking a hand or suffering a concussion. They have to move into a retirement home or become bedridden. A fall also generates high costs: according to the bfu, falls among senior citizens cost around CHF 1.6 billion for treatment and care, and the economic costs are many times higher.

Training helps...
Those who exercise regularly and thus maintain their strength and balance remain mobile and can retain their independence into old age. The BFU and Pro Senectute Switzerland, together with three other partners, have set themselves the goal of encouraging older adults in particular to exercise regularly. Werner Schärer, Director of Pro Senectute Switzerland, emphasizes: "I am against the fact that falls in old age are almost taken for granted. Falls can be avoided by training balance while standing and walking as well as strength exercises." A demo team shows 3×3 exercises to do at home on the website www.sichergehen.ch.

...also against loneliness
As exercise is much more fun in a group than alone, the campaign links to over 500 courses up and down the country. From T'aj Chi and dancing to Dalcroze Rhythmics - the range is broad and geared towards the specific needs of people aged 60+.

The campaign is supported by three other partners: The Rheumaliga Schweiz, physioswiss and Health Promotion Switzerland contribute significantly to the success of the campaign with their offers and contacts in health promotion. For Brigitte Buhmann, Director of the BFU, this broad-based partnership is a great advantage: "1,330 deaths per year are too many! With this effective program and the active support of our partners, we will succeed in significantly reducing this figure."
The trailer and campaign song, the exercise videos, images and fact sheets on the campaign can be found at www.sichergehen.ch.