More courage, more strength, more me: Sport as the key to self-determination – Why sport is essential for maintaining independence in everyday life

Description

Participants learn about the central role physical activity plays in leading a self-determined life—especially for people who are blind or visually impaired. Sport is much more than just training or exercise: it creates moments of independence, promotes orientation in everyday life, strengthens self-confidence, and enables a new form of independence. The presentation uses practical examples to show how small routines can have a big impact. The focus is particularly on the fact that a lack of exercise in old age often leads to a significant loss of independence. This risk is particularly high for blind and visually impaired people, as mobility restrictions cannot simply be compensated for by alternatives such as driving. Sport actively counteracts this process: physical activity improves balance, endurance, and strength—skills that are crucial for safe mobility, confident handling of new situations, and successful social participation. Exercise not only provides short-term energy, but also ensures long-term independence and significantly reduces the risk of dependency in everyday life. The lecture explains how regular activity sustainably strengthens mobility, builds self-confidence, and creates the basis for an independent life.

Participants benefit from concrete ideas on how they can shape their own exercise routines and develop lasting motivation. They learn which forms of exercise are particularly suitable, how to overcome internal and external barriers, and how physical activity improves long-term well-being, mental strength, and quality of life. In addition, the opportunities offered by digital services are explained, including ways to easily integrate exercise into everyday life in an accessible and flexible manner.

No prior knowledge of sports is required for the lecture. The content is aimed at everyone: people who want to become more active, relatives, multipliers, and anyone interested in understanding the added value that sports actually have for a self-determined life.

Speaker

Laura Feßel-Quentin & Maleen Stingl

Ms. Feßel-Quentin is a physical therapist and course trainer, and Ms. Stingl is a sports scientist (MSc) and personal/course trainer.