Equal Opportunities for Older Women

Lectures on gereontology were being held at the university at the time.
One of those lectures dealt with the problem of osteoporosis.
As the organiser of the event, Rosemarie Kurz, and other older women present did not think much of hormones as the only preventative means available, a special muscle training course was developed in cooperation with the Out-patients Osteoporosis of the Graz university.
Courses were then organised to teach this muscle training programme to 100 practice leaders in the Steiermark, who then implemented it at local level with older women.

The initiative is still active and has been imitated by other organisations.

Older women trained as group leaders for spine training classes and offered courses within the framework of GEFAS Steiermark.
A training course consists of 8 practice units.
These courses take place three times a year.
Currently 11 courses are available via GEFAS, and approx. 500 older women take part.
Older women make contacts during these courses and thus spent part of their leisure time here.

Specific exercises and dancing cannot prevent normal wear and tear in old age, but they are a source of enjoyment for the participants, and often they lead to the experience that bone density improves or the osteoporosis stagnates.
The weekly classes also have a social aspect.

Older women could increase their health awareness and develop a positive attitude towards the changes in their bodies in old age, so that this intiative increased their self-confidence and literally strengthened their back-bone in society.

As management of the work is on an honorary basis it is difficult find suitable and willing people for it.
Furthermore, constant advertising is necessary; this is done by the course leaders and the GEFAS Steiermark.
It is also important to persuade the women's general practitioners of the importance of the initiative.
Another difficulty is acquiring public funds for socially disadvantaged groups of women so as to be able to offer these courses cheaply to women with the minumum pension.

As the course leaders are themselves older women, the organisation of the courses is done in agreement with the participants.
The initiative managers take part in local, regional, national and international conferences and try to articulate and publicise the viewpoints of older women.

We have been cooperating with the Out-patients Osteoporosis section of the Graz University Clinic since 1990: advice, examinations and information.

We are available for people interested in receiving more information on our initiative by phone, post or e-mail.

1 salaried employees at the supporting organisation.
3 salaried employees at the initiative.
3 volunteers/honorary members.
The total number of hours worked for the initiative is approx. 20 hours per week.

100,000 Schillings for running costs and advertising.

Brochures on the training courses for course leaders

Mythos Alter

Cooperation with doctors, women and senior citizens organisations and sports institutes at universities and highschools