Generations on the Move (GIB-Study): Intergenerational Exercise and Health Promotion

During the past century, major demographic changes have occurred in Europe which primarily affect the older age groups. According to the Swiss federal office of statistics, the number of senior citizens has tripled (from 5.8% to 18.0%) while the number of young adults (younger than 20 years old) has decreased from 40.7% to 20.1%. There is evidence that with increasing age, physical activity and fitness level decreases. Additionally to lower physical activity, natural aging results in a decrease of muscle strength and a modulation of afferent and efferent reflex pathways due to a slowing down of neuromuscular performance. As a consequence, there are multiple consequences on general health, disease and injury rates in the older population such as a higher risk of sustaining fall injuries. An intergenerational approach combining balance and strength promotion appears to possess great potential for fall-prevention, for satisfying physical, social and behavioral need of children and seniors as well as reducing health care costs due to increased inactivity in both age groups. No studies have examined the effects of intergenerational exercise and health programs.