Prevention network for healthy aging launched in the Northwest of Germany

The prevention network for healthy aging in the metropolitan region Bremen-Oldenburg AEQUIPA started in February. Five universities and two research institutes from the Northwest of Germany are involved in the regional project which is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research. The network aims at fostering physical activity as a foundation for healthy aging. The goal of the project is to find out which forms of physical exercise the age group 65+ engages in and which ones are beneficial to their health. AEQUIPA has funding for the next three years and is coordinated by the Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology - BIPS.

The core topic of the AEQUIPA project is how to foster physical activity of people in the age group 65+ through preventive measures. With a special focus on equal health opportunities, such preventive measures are intended to attract and reach out to many different population groups. In order to promote offers for enhanced physical activity in the region, the network intends to include and connect organizations and institutions from the areas of urban planning and health. The network consists of researchers from the Universities of Bremen and Oldenburg, Jacobs University Bremen, TU Dortmund University, Jade University of Applied Sciences Wilhelmshaven/Oldenburg/Elsfleth, as well as from the OFFIS - Institute for Information Technology Oldenburg and from BIPS. The regional association "Gesundheitswirtschaft Nordwest" is also actively involved in the project.

Prof. Dr. Hajo Zeeb, AEQUIPA project coordinator and head of the Department for Prevention and Evaluation at BIPS, explains: "Our healthcare system needs effective and sustainable measures for the elderly that appeal to everyone - not just to the people who are already physically active, but also to those who are not yet making use of such offers."

A number of studies illustrate the importance of exercise for healthy aging. Increased physical activity reduces the risk of chronic diseases and injuries. It is still unknown, however, how measures to foster physical activity should be structured in order to be of benefit to the majority of people in the age group 65+. The AEQUIPA project aims to make a considerable contribution in this area.

Contact:
Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology - BIPS
Prof. Dr. Hajo Zeeb
Phone +49/(0)421/218-56902
Email zeeb@bips.uni-bremen.de

BIPS press office
Anja Wirsing
Phone +49/(0)421/218-56780
Email presse@bips.uni-bremen.de