Background: Falls are a significant public health issue among elderly people, especially those with rheumatic and musculoskeletal conditions [1]. These individuals face a higher risk of severe injuries from falls, such as fractures, mobility loss, and long-term disability. Women are more often affected than men, and recurring falls are common due to factors like poor balance, bad posture, muscle weakness, joint pain, and low confidence in physical activities. By boosting motivation, providing better access to information, and encouraging participation in physical and educational programs, elderly patients can boost their independence, lower fall-related injuries, and improve their overall quality of life through targeted exercises and multidisciplinary approaches [2].

Objectives: The primary objectives of the “Fall Prevention for Better Ageing” project for adults over 65 were to:

1. Increase awareness among older adults, particularly those with rheumatic and musculoskeletal conditions, of the causes, risk factors, and consequences of falls.

2. Promote behavioural and lifestyle changes that reduce fall risk, including safer movement, exercise, healthy habits, and environmental adjustments.

3. Enhance physical function by improving balance, posture, and muscle strength through practical exercises and guided physical activity.

4. Encourage active participation and proactivity in fall-prevention strategies, motivating participants to adopt preventive measures in their daily routines.

5. Empower older adults to maintain independence, improve quality of life, and reduce the incidence and severity of fall-related injuries

Methods: The project titled “Fall Prevention” was organised by the patient association ELEANA and conducted with the guidance of a professional physiotherapist (MSc), Amalia Pappadopoulou. The program was implemented over six months, from 6 November 2023 to 3 May 2024.The intervention consisted of four structured sessions, held in a classroom and a private stadium in Patras, delivered primarily as educational lectures combined with practical demonstrations. The sessions aimed to raise awareness and provide evidence-based information to patient attendees on the causes, risk factors, and consequences of falls among older adults and seniors with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases.Educational materials included infographics illustrating fall risk by age and gender, common causes of falls, associated injuries and health implications, and the body parts most frequently affected after a fall. Particular emphasis was placed on the multifactorial nature of falls, including physical, behavioural, and environmental contributors.Preventive strategies were discussed in detail, focusing on behavioural and lifestyle modifications, environmental adjustments, adopting healthier habits, smoking cessation, reducing alcohol consumption, managing weight, and promoting regular physical activity. Practical balance and muscle-strengthening exercises were demonstrated, and patient participation was encouraged. Photographic documentation captured attendees engaging in activities designed to improve balance, posture, and body strength.Overall, the program combined education and practice in an interactive, supportive environment, encouraging participants to adopt fall-prevention measures and integrate exercise into their daily routines

Results: The project results were more than satisfactory. Photographic documentation and direct observation demonstrated that patient-attendees willingly and actively participated in both the educational sessions and the practical activities. Participants reported increased awareness of fall risks and a better understanding of how exercise and precautionary measures can significantly improve physical stability, balance, and overall well-being.Following participation in the program, patients reported greater motivation to adopt healthier lifestyles and a greater willingness to implement the recommendations provided by the physiotherapist. Improvements were noted not only in physical engagement but also in mood, confidence, and self-efficacy, reinforcing the importance of education and regular exercise as key components of fall prevention.

Conclusions: There was strong demand from association members to continue the project,reflecting the perceived benefits for both physical and mental health. Participant feedback and documented engagement indicate that combining education with structured exercise can deliver meaningful, positive outcomes for patients living with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases.The project highlights the value of community-based,multidisciplinary fall-prevention initiatives in empowering patients to actively manage their health and improve quality of life.

REFERENCES: [1] World Health Organisation. (2007). WHO global report on falls prevention in older age. World Health Organisation.

[2] Zhong, Y.-J., Meng, Q., & Su, C.-H. (2024). Mechanism-driven strategies for reducing fall risk in the elderly: A multidisciplinary review of exercise interventions. Healthcare (Basel), 12(23), 2394.

[3] https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12232394

[4] Pappadopoulou, A. (2023–2024). Fall prevention for the elderly [Presentation slides]. Educational sessions of the “Fall Prevention” project, Eleana Association

Acknowledgments: NIL.

Disclosure of Interests: None declared.