Series of informational events for senior citizens regarding the prevention of accidents

The Institute of Preventive Medicine, Environmental and Occupational Health, Prolepsis, continues its effort to always be next to the citizens. Especially today, when economic conditions are extremely difficult for many people around us, Prolepsis intensifies its actions to promote the health of vulnerable groups such as older people and starts a series of informational events for the prevention of accidents, at the Municipal Day Care Centres for the Elderly.

The innovative effort for the promotion of health of elderly people focuses on an issue of great importance for their health and quality of life, such as accidents at home. According to the World Health Organization, falls constitute the third cause of chronic disability among senior citizens while the majority of fatal injuries are caused by falls. It is estimated that every year more than one third of people of 65 years and more are injured due to falling. Severe injuries and deaths due to falls also seem to increase after the age of 70 and double after 78.

Taking into consideration that in Greece 17% of the population is more than 65 years old and that the European population is getting older and older every day, as it is estimated that until 2050, 173 million of people in Europe will be more than 65 years old and that senior citizens will be double than children, the management of health problems, in terms of prevention and treatment, can contribute significantly to the promotion of health and wellness of older people. Moreover, it will help them ameliorate their quality of life and extend their productivity.
 
As part of this effort, Prolepsis organizes, with the kind support of Tena, events for the prevention of accidents for elderly people at the Municipal Day Care Centres for the Elderly, in various municipalities of Attica, including the municipality of Maroussi. The first event that will open the series of these informational events will be held on Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at 10:30 am, at the Municipal Day Care Centre for the Elderly of Maroussi, Pericles, 22, Maroussi.

During the events educational material, specially developed and designed for older people under the European program "Alpha-to-Omega-New pathways towards volunteering and life learning for senior European citizens" in which Prolepsis participated as partner, will be presented. Participants will learn more about the main causes of accidents at home, as well as ways to protect their safety and quality of life. The main objective of the events is not only to inform elderly people but also to help them develop competencies and skills that will facilitate the long-term adoption of healthy behaviors and attitudes.