Falls are the most common type of accident

Every year, around 280,000 people need medical treatment after falls. Falls are the most common cause of accidents in Switzerland and affect all age groups. However, they have fatal consequences especially for seniors aged 65 and older. With increasing age, muscle strength and balance decrease. In addition, older people are more vulnerable. This leads to more falls with fatal outcomes. Of the nearly 1400 people who die each year as a result of a fall, 96 % are seniors.

Falls can be prevented not only by removing tripping hazards and structural deficiencies (areas where the bfu - Swiss Council for Accident Prevention does a lot), but also through targeted physical activity. A good New Year's resolution! The bfu and Pro Senectute have developed training exercises with three other partners. These improve strength and balance, thereby reducing the risk of a fall or cushioning its consequences. Now the exercises have been supplemented with training sessions on an unstable surface such as the bfu-Balance Disc (a rubber disc filled with air). Thanks to the resulting improved stability, a stumble or slip can be absorbed sooner. This is especially important now in the winter months, when many paths are more slippery than usual.

Exercising three times a week reduces the risk of falls
For the first time, the bfu investigated the effectiveness of a training program for fall prevention. The effects of combined strength and balance training for older people were tested in guided (i.e. with a trainer) and non-guided groups (i.e. alone at home). It was found that training three times a week, with at least two exercise sessions with a trained leader, had the greatest effect. Furthermore, the study showed that the exercises are safe for the test subjects and do not lead to exercise-related injuries.

"stand safe - walk safe"
Further information on the "stand safely - walk safely" exercise program and more than 500 sports and exercise offers can be found at the website www.sichergehen.ch.