Accidents at home are among the most serious problems that the elderly have to face. 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, the European project "Alpha-to-Omega- New pathways towards volunteering and life learning for senior European citizens" aimed to develop and implement educational methodology and materials for the elderly. 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 project's aim was to promote the health status and ameliorate the quality of life for the elderly. More specifically, among others, the project developed an educational tool for the prevention of accidents at home offering practical information to the elderly. 

The President of the Municipal Day Care Centre for the Elderly of Argiroupoli, Mr Ioannis Kopitas and the President of the Institute Prof Athena Linos gave the opening speeches of the event. The main speaker, Dr. Ioannnis Poluchronakis, presented guidelines on accident prevention through practical educational methods. The high risk areas of the household, such as the bedroom, the bathroom and the kitchen, were pointed out to the seniors with the use of pictures and examples. Moreover, the main factors that can cause accidents at home e.g. lack of lighting, slippery ground, objects that may block the way, narrow or stairs without handrail were highlighted. Finally, useful advice, such as removing the objects that block the way, increasing lighting and putting handholds in baths and showers, was provided regarding safer household arrangement in order to prevent possible accidents. The Mayor of Argiroupoli, Mr. Dimitris Efstathiadis offered the closing speech of the event.