A Matter of Balance at Georgetown Public Library

A Matter of Balance

Managing Concerns about falling

A Matter of Balance; Managing concerns about falls is conducted in 8 two hour sessions and uses group discussion, problem solving strategies, videos and gentle physical exercise.  Mature adults learn positive coping methods to reduce fear of falling and remain active and independent.

A Matter of Balance coach help participants become more confident about managing falls by believing that they can increase their strength, find ways to reduce falls, and protect themselves if they do fall.  In addition, participants report that they have increased the amount they exercise on a regular basis.

What is A Matter of Balance?

• It is a program based upon research conducted by the Roybal Center for Enhancement of Late-life function at Boston University
• Designed to reduce fear of falling and increase activity levels of adults who have concerns about falls

During 8 two-hour classes, you will learn:

• To view falls and fear of falling as controllable
• To set realistic goals for increasing activity
• To change your environment to reduce fall risk factors
• To promote exercise to increase strength and balance

What happens during classes?

• Group discussion
• Problem solving
• Skill building
• Assertiveness training
• Exercise training
• Videotapes
• Sharing practical solutions

What do we know about falls?

• Up to 30% of community dwelling adults fall each year
• About 20% of those falls cause physical injury
• Falls are a leading cause of injury and death for older adults
• Over half of the falls occur around the home with the majority happening during routine activities
• Falls usually aren’t caused by just one issue. It’s a combination of things coming together

Falls are:

• Common
• Predictable
• Preventable
• Not a natural part of aging

Fear of falling is associated with:

• Decreased satisfaction with life
• Increased frailty
• Depression
• Decreased mobility and social activity
• The fear of falling is a risk factor for falls