A Matter of Balance

Have you stopped doing certain things you enjoy because you were concerned about falling? If so, you are not alone. Chances are you or someone you know has fallen or is afraid of falling and might even restrict their activities because of these concerns.

Many older adults share a common fear of falling that is so strong they actually limit their activities. Up to 50% of Americans over the age of 65 who live independently experience a fear of falling. When older adults limit their activity due to this fear, it can reduce their mobility and independence, affecting quality of life and actually increases the risk of future falls. It can also increase isolation and depression due the lack of interaction with family and friends. These who are most likely to be afraid of falling are likely to have already fallen once.

A Matter of Balance : Managing Concerns About Falls acknowledges the risk of falling but emphasizes practical coping strategies to reduce this concern and remain active and independent. The program consists of eight two-hour sessions led by trained facilitator.

During the class, participants learn to:

• View falls and fear of falling as controllable
• Set realistic goals for increasing activity
• Find ways to change the environment to reduce fall risk factors
• Learn simple exercises to increase strength and balance. See sample exercises

Falling is not a natural part of aging and can be avoided by assessing your risk factors and making changes to your environment. Hamilton County Public Health has partnered with many senior centers, retirement communities and churches to offer A Matter of Balance classes to the public.

You should attend A Matter of Balance if you:

• are concerned about falls
• have had a fall in the past
• restrict activities because of concerns about falling
• are interested in improving flexibility, balance and
  strength

What participants say about the class:

• Recommend class to any senior with balance problem
• Very good class. Strongly recommend
• I realized that worrying about falling is not unusual
• This is a wonderful class

Participants will learn to:

• View falls as controllable
• Set goals for increasing activity
• Make changes to reduce fall risks at home
• Exercise to increase strength and balance

Watch A Matter of Balance Video

Learn more about A Matter of Balance

Session Topics (pdf)

Program Brochure

Informational Sheet