Table 1 Details of the intervention program

“Trittsicher”-mobility and falls prevention exercise classes

• Were based on the Otago exercise program [12, 13] and a program developed for groups by the German Gymnastics Association [14]

• Had 6 sessions à 90 min delivered within 6 weeks

• Wanted participants to perform exercises at home between and after the end of the group sessions (booklet with instructions and a training log)

• Took place in local facilities to keep the distances as short as possible

• Were usually organized by the “German Association of Rural Women” (LandFrauen)

• Were free of charge

Bone mineral density measurement by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)

• Was recommended to all individuals

• Was based on the German osteoporosis guideline which recommends a baseline assessment for bone health including a DXA scan in all women aged 70 and more (http://dv-osteologie.org/osteoporose-leitlinien)

• Was reimbursed by the program independently from a fracture history

• Individuals were asked to talk with their general practitioners (GP) about the need for a DXA scan. GPs received a one-time payment for counseling and handling potential consequences like treatment of a diagnosed osteoporosis

Safety in the living environment

• Individuals were advised by a “prevention manager” of the agricultural accident insurance (part of the SVLFG) how to increase safety in the living environment if required (e.g., by installation of handrails at the entrance or better lighting on paths around the farm still used by the participants)