A forgotten pan on the stove. A suspicious email from “the bank.” A misstep on the stairs. For seniors, such situations can have serious consequences. Starting today, the Risk Factory in Central and West Brabant offers an interactive experience specifically for the elderly. Here they learn how to recognize risks and how to act safely.
The numbers don’t lie. Every year, over 100,000 seniors in the Netherlands end up in emergency care after a fall. House fires claim an average of 40 lives per year, often elderly people. And cybercriminals are increasingly targeting seniors: in 2024, there were over 12,000 reports of digital fraud among those aged 65 and older.
Not a Given
The Risk Factory has been the discovery factory for safety, health, and sustainability since 2022. Until now, mainly elementary school students from grades 7 and 8 have visited. Starting today, there is also a program for seniors. The Province of North Brabant supports this expansion with an additional subsidy of €15,000. “Safety is not a given, especially for the elderly,” says Deputy Wilma Dirken (Safety). “With the experience at the Risk Factory, we give them the knowledge and confidence to recognize risks and deal with them properly. This is not only important for themselves but also for their surroundings. Additionally, I highly recommend doing it in a group: fun and educational.”
At the Risk Factory, seniors practice in simulated situations how to act in case of fire, falls, poor hygiene, or cybercrime. They also learn when and how to call 112. The approach is proven effective: by doing and experiencing, the learned information sticks better.
Working Together for Safety
The Risk Factory is facilitated by the Safety Region Central and West Brabant. The province supports this initiative as part of its commitment to a safe and healthy living environment. The activities are carried out in collaboration with the fire department, GGD, police, municipalities, senior organizations (such as ANBO-PCOB and KBOs), senior associations, and local networks.