Free fall prevention workshops: safety for seniors!

Free fall prevention workshops: safety for seniors!

Free fall prevention workshops will take place in Tempelhof-Schöneberg on October 14, 2025. These workshops, led by qualified movement educator Marlies Marktscheffel, deal with the common causes of falls in everyday life and offer exercises to promote balance, muscle strengthening and coordination. In his speech, District Councilor Tobias Dollase placed particular emphasis on the fact that falls are one of the most common causes of injury in old age. They not only affect the independence but also the quality of life of older people. The events aim to promote safety and social participation in old age, which is of great importance in today's society.

The workshops are a response to the specific challenges seniors face, particularly the physical changes that come with age. These include loss of muscle and bone density, which increases the risk of falls. Dizziness caused by medication and poor eyesight are also relevant influencing factors. These important events are financed through the funding program “Cleanliness and Sense of Safety in Large Settlements” of the Senate Department for Urban Development, Building and Housing. Registration is possible for all dates and is strongly recommended to secure a place.

Role play of physiotherapy in fall prevention

The importance of balance exercises in physical therapy cannot be overemphasized. Such exercises are crucial for seniors to maintain mobility and minimize the risk of falls. Regular exercise can significantly improve balance, coordination and stability, which increases the quality of life of older people. Studies show that targeted balance exercises increase the ability to react to sudden stimuli and thus contribute to an improved lifestyle. Examples of effective exercises include the tandem stand and standing on one leg, both of which can be easily integrated into everyday life.

The physiological changes that come with age, such as muscle loss and reduced bone density, can lead to a worrying vicious cycle. Many older people develop a fear of falling, which causes them to move less, which in turn weakens their muscles. This behavior can lead to further deterioration in balance and an increased risk of falling. In this regard, physical therapy can help restore confidence in one's movements and counteract anxiety that often arises after a fall. People taking blood-thinning medications should pay particular attention to the risks of falls and their possible consequences, such as cerebral hemorrhage.

To maximize the safety and effectiveness of these trainings, some preparation steps and safety measures are important. This includes a safe training environment with non-slip shoes and stable furniture and, if necessary, the support of a physiotherapist for unstable people. Those who regularly take part in fall prevention programs can benefit from improved mobility and increased well-being in the long term.

For further information and a more detailed overview of balance-promoting exercises as well as the physiological background of falls prevention, see the websites of PhysioReStorma and Theramedicom recommended.