Safe exercise in old age: Free fall prevention workshops!

Safe exercise in old age: Free fall prevention workshops!

An important step in fall prevention for seniors is being taken in the Tempelhof-Schöneberg district. On August 26, 2025, a series of workshops will take place under the leadership of qualified movement teacher Marlies Marktscheffel. This initiative addresses the causes of falls in everyday life as well as exercises to promote balance, muscle strengthening and coordination. District councilor Tobias Dollase emphasizes that falls are one of the most common causes of injury in old age, which can severely affect the independence and quality of life of those affected. The fall prevention events are intended to help promote safety and social participation in old age. Participation in the workshops is free of charge and is financed by the Senate Department for Urban Development’s funding program “Cleanliness and Sense of Safety in Large Settlements”. Those interested can register for all appointments to find out more about preventive measures and to actively work on their health.

A central topic of the workshops is balance exercises, which play an important role in physiotherapy. These exercises are crucial for seniors to maintain mobility and prevent falls. Regular balance exercises not only improve stability and coordination, but can also significantly reduce the risk of falls. They are particularly important because the decline in sensory functions with age and muscle weakness are common causes of falling accidents. Targeted fall prevention helps seniors regain confidence in their own movement abilities and at the same time significantly improves their quality of life.

With exercises to prevent falls

The benefits of balance exercises are many. These promote the ability to react to sudden stimuli and strengthen the muscles, especially in the legs and torso. The recommended exercises include, for example, the standing balance, the tandem stand on soft ground and gait exercises with a change of direction. Additionally, safety should be a top priority during exercises. This includes wearing non-slip shoes and doing the exercises in a safe environment. A physical therapist can also provide valuable support, especially for insecure or unstable seniors.

Physiotherapeutic measures are essential to compensate for the physiological changes that occur with increasing age. Natural muscle loss begins from the age of 30 and accelerates over the years. Less muscle strength leads to poorer balance and makes it difficult to react quickly to unexpected movements. Psychological aspects must also be taken into account here. After a fall, many older people often develop a fear of further falls, which can lead to social isolation and further insecurity. This creates a vicious circle that significantly increases the risk of falls. It is therefore crucial to strengthen confidence in your own mobility through targeted exercises and therapeutic measures and to provide thorough information about risks and prevention.

The workshops and the techniques used in physiotherapy are essential elements to support seniors and help them to participate actively and safely in life. With an increased focus on preventive measures, a significant improvement in the quality of life of the older generation can be achieved.