As the Active Ageing for Falls Prevention project group, we gathered in one of Sicily’s most magnificent cities, Palermo, in April 2025. Hosted by our project partner CUS Palermo, we came together to advance our shared mission: promoting physical activity to prevent falls among the older population. Before arriving, we hadn’t realized just how closely our project’s goals aligned with the spirit of the region. During our stay, we discovered the deeper meaning behind the iconic three legged symbol (the Triskelion shape) on the Sicilian flag — beyond its depiction of the island’s geography, it also represents Movement, Health, and the eternal cycle of life! 

Pilot activities are now underway in four countries ( France, Slovenia, Italy and Finland) 

Pilot activities across the partner countries are now well underway. The purpose of the pilot activities in Active Ageing Project is to test two key outputs: ABC+ exercise program aimed at fall prevention for older adults, and a learning package for practitioners delivered through train-the-trainer workshops. The main goals are to gather feedback on the efficacy and user-friendliness of these programs while offering high-quality, expert-designed exercise sessions to older individuals, led by qualified practitioners in the fields of sport and health. 

In France, Azur Sport Santé launched three programmes in the south of France, working with specialized HEPA instructors supporting elderly individuals with chronic diseases. After successfully hosting a "train-the-trainers" workshop with 35 current and future coaches, they plan an additional session dedicated specifically to professional coaches. All activities are set to conclude by the end of July 2025.

Meanwhile, in Finland, workshops were held in collaboration with the University of Tampere, training 50 coaches and engaging 100 elderly participants in testing activities such as backward walking and balance tests. The Finnish pilot has already gained national media attention and will complete its testing phase by mid-June 2025, with ABC+ activities resuming in August 2025.

In Slovenia, three groups of pilot activities are being organised, starting with a workshop in May 2025. Trainers from different sectors and projects will join, building on the existing expertise of sport clubs already specialised in working with the elderly.

In Italy, pilot activities were kicked of already in February 2025. 49 selected participants attended. Trained instructors led some initial mobility exercises followed by four assessment tests: the Specific Throwing Test (throwing a 2 kg medicine ball from a seated position to measure upper limb strength), the Sit and Reach Test (to evaluate flexibility and body extension), the Chair Stand Test (repeating sit-to-stand movements for 30 seconds to assess lower limb strength and endurance), and a One-Leg Balance Test (on both the right and left leg), which included challenges such as crossing arms and closing eyes. 

Additionally, participants were asked about previous experiences with falls, and approximately 50% reported having had at least one fall.

Active Ageing for Fall Prevention Conference at Università degli Studi di Palermo

We were honored to attend an event organised by our hosts, CUS Palermo and the Università degli Studi di Palermo, dedicated to raising awareness and promoting strategies for fall prevention among individuals aged 65 and over.

During the event, we had the opportunity to meet with various institutional representatives, including leaders from local government and the university. We also presented the Active Ageing project, highlighting its role in supporting healthier, safer lifestyles for seniors.

The conference aimed to reduce fall-related injuries, promote active living among older adults, and strengthen community engagement through evidence-based practices and international collaboration.