The aim of the project is to prevent falls among the elderly people by promoting the physical activity of the elderly population and active participation in sports and physical activities. One of the aims of the project is also to build capacity of practicioners to work transnationally and across sectors as well as offer expertise in the implementation of exercise in order to prevent falls.
The project is being implemented with EU Erasmus+ funding in Slovenia, France, Italy, Denmark and Finland.
Background
The population is ageing both in Finland and worldwide. Older age and disability are the key risk factors for falls. Elderly people should exercise to maintain their physical capacity on a regular basis. However, as one gets older, physical activity usually decreases. The consequences of falls are severe for both the individual and society. Falls cause fractures and head injuries, loss of quality of life, fear of falling, and a decrease in physical activity.
Physical inactivity leads to a decrease in physical performance and physical ability, as well as a decrease in social interaction. Physical inactivity thus increases the risk of falls. Exercising is one of the most effective ways to prevent falls. However, exercising should be versatile, regular and practiced long enough to reduce falls. There are shortcomings in the implementation of exercising to prevent falls among both health care and sport practicioners.
Aims
Strengthening the understanding, competence and capabilities of sports organisations and healthcare professionals regarding falls and exercising to prevent falls among the elderly people. Encouraging the participation of older people in physical activities. Disseminating the learning material to a wide range of practicioners, and enhancing sustainability.
Methods
The project will begin with a literature review of exercise programs that have been able to prevent falls among the elderly people. Examples of good practices are included in the review. A 3-month exercise programme for the elderly will be developed based on the review. It will be targeted specifically at people over 65 years. The aim of exercising is to prevent falls.
To foster the implementation of the exercise protocol, a digital handbook will be created for the use of sport practicioners and health professionals. The handbook will contain instructional material about the exercise program for workshops as well as instructions for organisations to prepare and implement the exercise programs. In the final phase of the project, pilot testing of the completion of the exercise programme will be carried out in four European countries (Slovenia, France, Finland and Italy). The project includes actions of communication and implementation. Presentation of the project to stakeholders culminates at the MOVE CONGRESS event in Denmark in 2025.
Researcher in charge
Maarit Piirtola
The team of researchers
Project group in Finland: Maarit Piirtola, Tommi Vasankari, Minna Aittasalo and Julia Ben Khalifa
Collaboration
Sports Union of Slovenia (Slovenia), National Institute of Public Health (Slovenia), International Sport and Culture Association (ISCA) (Denmark), Centro Universitario Sportivo Palermo (Italy), Azur Sport Santé (France).
Funding
EU Erasmus+
Project period
1/2024–12/2025
14.8.2024