A Matter of Balance Workshop
- Category: Senior Health
- Posted On:
- Written By: Parrish Healthcare
A Matter of Balance is an evidence-based program designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase the activity levels of older adults who have this concern. A Matter of Balance is based upon research conducted by the Roybal Center for Enhancement of Late-Life Function at Boston University.
One out of three adults age 65 and older fall each year. Many people who fall, even if they are not injured, develop a fear of falling. This fear may cause them to limit their activities, leading to reduced mobility, muscle strength and balance, which in turn increases their actual risk of falling. It can also compromise social interaction and increase the risk for isolation, depression, and anxiety. A large number of falls are preventable. A Matter of Balance acknowledges the risk of falling and emphasizes practical coping strategies to reduce fears. Participants learn to view falls and the fear of falling as controllable and set realistic goals for increasing activity. Participants also learn ways to change their environment to reduce fall risk factors and learn simple exercises to increase strength and balance. Participants who complete the workshop have increased exercise, social activity, and confidence that they can manage their fall risk.
This program is currently offered at no cost through a grant from the Florida Department of Elder Affairs. PMC has two workshops scheduled. The first workshop begins Thursday, August 4 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., and will continue each Thursday through September 22 at The Children’s Center, 5650 South US1, Titusville. The second workshop begins Friday, September 30 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and will continue each Friday through November 18 at Parrish’s Health & Fitness Center, 2210 Cheney Highway, Titusville. As funds are available, Parrish Medical Center will continue to offer Matter of Balance workshops throughout the community at churches, senior centers, assisted living facilities and community centers. “We have chosen to bring this evidence-based program to our community because we have a higher population of seniors across Brevard County and in Florida. We want to empower people to be active managers of their health and learn strategies to reduce their risk of falling,” says Lori Duester, manager of Parrish Health Village program development. For more information or to register for A Matter of Balance workshop, contact Jenny Evans at 321-268-6596 or email Jenny.Evans@parrishmed.com. # # #
One out of three adults age 65 and older fall each year. Many people who fall, even if they are not injured, develop a fear of falling. This fear may cause them to limit their activities, leading to reduced mobility, muscle strength and balance, which in turn increases their actual risk of falling. It can also compromise social interaction and increase the risk for isolation, depression, and anxiety. A large number of falls are preventable. A Matter of Balance acknowledges the risk of falling and emphasizes practical coping strategies to reduce fears. Participants learn to view falls and the fear of falling as controllable and set realistic goals for increasing activity. Participants also learn ways to change their environment to reduce fall risk factors and learn simple exercises to increase strength and balance. Participants who complete the workshop have increased exercise, social activity, and confidence that they can manage their fall risk.
This program is currently offered at no cost through a grant from the Florida Department of Elder Affairs. PMC has two workshops scheduled. The first workshop begins Thursday, August 4 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., and will continue each Thursday through September 22 at The Children’s Center, 5650 South US1, Titusville. The second workshop begins Friday, September 30 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and will continue each Friday through November 18 at Parrish’s Health & Fitness Center, 2210 Cheney Highway, Titusville. As funds are available, Parrish Medical Center will continue to offer Matter of Balance workshops throughout the community at churches, senior centers, assisted living facilities and community centers. “We have chosen to bring this evidence-based program to our community because we have a higher population of seniors across Brevard County and in Florida. We want to empower people to be active managers of their health and learn strategies to reduce their risk of falling,” says Lori Duester, manager of Parrish Health Village program development. For more information or to register for A Matter of Balance workshop, contact Jenny Evans at 321-268-6596 or email Jenny.Evans@parrishmed.com. # # #
