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We're talking about billions – and about 15 minutes
Why We Must Act Now: A Preventive Program from Kindergarten to Old Age Could Relieve Germany's Health System
“A healthy person has a thousand wishes, a sick person only one.”
After nearly two decades of daily practice – using just five exercises – I am convinced: Germany needs a structured, age-inclusive program to strengthen health, performance, and vitality.
It is reasonable to assume that even in the coming decades, no miracle cure will replace the need for basic physical activity.
What if…
… just 10 to 15 minutes of movement per day, using 5 to 7 simple exercises combined with conscious breathing, could lay the foundation for a healthy, focused, and resilient life?
And what if we started this habit in kindergarten – and adapted it through all life stages, supported by science and AI?
This idea is not a theory. It is the first step toward a systemic health prevention approach for modern societies.
The Situation: A System at Its Limit
(Approximate figures)
- Over €500 billion per year – 12.7% of Germany’s GDP
- More than €1 billion per day spent on healthcare
- Over 50% of healthcare costs are generated by those 65+
- Healthcare costs per person aged 85+: over €25,000 per year
- 125,000 missing childcare workers
- Lack of movement, stress, exhaustion, and chronic illness are starting in childhood
“We’re talking about billions – and about 15 minutes. The solution may be right there.”
The Solution: A Simple, Everyday Movement and Breathing Program
Just 10–15 minutes per day
Example exercises that could be included:
- Push-ups (vagus nerve activation)
- Squats (strength & circulation)
- Spinal rolling (mobility & relaxation)
Combined with nasal breathing (e.g. 5.5-second resonance breathing)
Programs should be scientifically designed and AI-assisted, age-appropriate, and easy to apply in daily life.
“Sustainability doesn’t start in the ministry – it starts with 15 minutes of daily movement.”
| Age Group | Content (Movement + Breathing) | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| 5–7 years | 10 playful movement and breathing exercises (15 min) | Learn through play, regulation |
| 7–18 years | Age-appropriate expansion (e.g. focus training) | Posture, balance, concentration |
| Adults | Mobility, breathing, mental stress relief | Daily energy and stress reduction |
| Seniors | Gentle adaptations for flexibility and safety | Maintain autonomy and joy |
These programs should be created and continuously developed by interdisciplinary experts in movement, breathing therapy, psychology, and medicine – supported by AI systems.
Policymakers should launch targeted investment programs without delay.
Why This Program?
- Scientifically validated (e.g. NO, Bolt test, vagus nerve, breathing science)
- Proven in practice
- Time-efficient: 15 minutes is enough
- Scalable: no expensive equipment, no facilities needed
- Sustainable: long-term prevention instead of crisis response
A Win for All Generations – and the System
A structured movement and breathing program can:
- Reduce back pain, high blood pressure, depression, and fatigue
- Lower medication use
- Decrease sick leave and early retirement
- Reduce long-term hospital and care costs
- Improve well-being and self-efficacy across age groups
Start Today: Why We Can’t Wait
The ideas are ready. The costs of doing nothing are well known. And political consensus for prevention is growing.
But prevention must not be treated as an accessory. It must become a core part of education, family life, and the working world.
15 minutes of daily prevention – developed by science, made for everyone, ready to use.
A pilot project in kindergartens and schools could deliver measurable results within months.
Now is the time to act. This is the first step.
A contribution by Andreas Wdowiak, founder of 5 Tibetans+,
who has maintained good health for many years with just five exercises a day – requiring only 15 minutes. Often without access to gyms or sports clubs, but with discipline and consistency. No football, no tennis – just daily self-care through movement. Alongside 10-hour workdays. He has barely burdened the public health system.
