A Matter of Balance is a FREE 8-week structured group intervention that emphasizes practical strategies to reduce fear of falling and increase activity levels. Participants learn to view falls and fear of falling as controllable, set realistic goals to increase activity, change their environment to reduce fall risk factors, and exercise to increase strength and balance.

Studies indicate that up to half of community dwelling older adults experience fear of falling (Howland, Peterson, Levin, Fried, Pordon, & Bak, 1993), and that many respond to this concern by curtailing activity (Tinetti & Speechley, 1989). A majority of falls occur during routine activities. Falls usually are not caused by just one issue.  A large portion of falls are preventable. Being inactive results in loss of muscle strength and balance. It can also compromise social interaction and increase the risk for isolation, depression, and anxiety. Fear of falling can actually contribute to falling. MOB acknowledges the risk of falling but emphasizes practical coping strategies to reduce this concern. Participants learn to view falls and fear of falling as controllable and set realistic goals for increasing activity. Participants also find ways to change the environment to reduce fall risk factors and learn simple exercises to increase strength and balance. The group format provides an opportunity for people with a common problem to learn from each other and to help each other deal with the shared problem of fear of falling.

The program includes: o Group discussion o Problem-solving o Skill building o Assertiveness training o Exercise training o Sharing practical solutions o Cognitive restructuring—learning to shift from negative to positive thinking patterns or thinking about something in a different way.

The program will be conducted in the EKH library at 1pm on:

Tuesday, October 31st             Thursday, November 2nd

Tuesday, November 7th             Thursday, November 9th

Tuesday, November 14th             Thursday, November 16th

Tuesday, November 28th            Thursday, November 30th

Call us at 401-846-7426 to make your reservation for this important FREE program.  Spaces are limited.