On Thursday 24 September at 10.00 am, the City of Chemnitz and Chemnitz University of Technology will be taking stock of the MoKo-Fit exercise programme on the artificial turf pitch at SG Handwerk Rabenstein, Wedemeyerstraße 23. Mo-Ko is a motor-cognitive exercise programme for older people who wish to maintain their fitness and mobility as they age. Since 2022, exercise groups have been set up in various neighbourhoods under the scientific supervision of Chemnitz University of Technology. From now on, the programme will be overseen by the City of Chemnitz’s Department of Health and Prevention.
The following are available to speak to media representatives:
- Mayor Dagmar Ruscheinsky
- Katharina Zwingmann, Chemnitz University of Technology, Chair of Social Science Perspectives on Sport, Physical Activity and Health Promotion
- Anett Voigt, Office for Health and Prevention of the City of Chemnitz
- Ute Schubert, cross-group support instructor
- Monika Münch and Monika Schmelzer, mentors of the Rabenstein group
Please note: Prior to the press conference, there will be an opportunity from 9.30 am to film and photograph the training group in action.
With MoKo-Fit, Chemnitz University of Technology has developed a motor-cognitive programme that promotes physical activity among older people, healthy ageing and active neighbourhoods. The City of Chemnitz is supporting the sustainable integration of the programme into local health promotion initiatives for older people. MoKo-Fit demonstrates how structures can be created to enable older people to lead active, healthy and self-determined lives.
The motor-cognitive exercise programme is aimed at people aged 65 and over and takes place outdoors close to home, for example on sports pitches or in green spaces and parks. Since 2022, exercise groups have been set up in various neighbourhoods. There are currently 13 active groups, demonstrating how well low-threshold initiatives are received in the neighbourhood. The combination of physical exercises and cognitive tasks not only strengthens strength, balance and mobility, but also improves memory, attention and mental flexibility. Scientific monitoring by Chemnitz University of Technology has also confirmed positive effects on general well-being and social participation. Many participants report that MoKo-Fit has helped them make new friends and that they find it easier to stay motivated as part of a group.
MoKo-Fit was developed and launched by the Chair of Social Science Perspectives on Sport, Physical Activity and Health Promotion at Chemnitz University of Technology as part of a project funded by the Free State of Saxony (Demography Funding Scheme). The project team developed sustainable support structures directly within the local community, assessed physical and cognitive abilities, provided close support to the groups and continuously adapted the programme content to the participants’ needs. The results show that local outdoor activities are particularly effective and that the mentoring model is a key factor in the project’s success: Following a 16-week course phase, trained exercise mentors – usually former participants – take over the guidance of the groups and continue to run them independently.
To ensure the programme’s long-term integration into local health promotion, responsibility for the project was handed over to the City of Chemnitz once the funding period had ended. The Department of Health and Prevention is now the central point of contact and, amongst other things, brings all mentors together twice a year for an exchange of ideas.
Mayor Dagmar Ruscheinsky said: “MoKo-Fit helps older people to live independently for as long as possible, encourages social interaction within the neighbourhood and helps to prevent loneliness in old age. At the same time, the programme aligns with the strategic objectives of the 2035 Sports Development Plan, which, amongst other things, focuses on local, accessible and needs-based exercise programmes for older people.”
Interested residents of Chemnitz aged 65 and over are invited to get in touch. At www.chemnitz.de/mokofit, you can find details of all existing exercise groups, including meeting points, times and the mentors acting as contact persons. The programmes are local, free of charge and open to all, with no prior experience required. Anyone interested in becoming a mentor can also contact the Office for Health and Prevention by telephone on 0371 4885825 or by email at: gesundheitsfoerderung(at)stadt-chemnitz.de.