A Matter of Balance
Many older adults experience a fear of falling. People who develop this fear often limit their activities, which can result in physical weakness, making the risk of falling even greater.
A Matter of Balance is an evidence-based, health promotion, group program for older adults. It is designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase activity levels among older adults.
The program is a comprehensive approach to maximizing activity engagement and function, and reducing fall risks. It is designed for small groups of older adults living independently, in community settings, or senior housing. Coping strategies are taught that focus on the fear of falling and ways to reduce the risk of falling, including changing attitudes and self-efficacy, as well as exercising to improve balance and strength. This nationally recognized program was developed by the Roybal Center for Research in Applied Gerontology at Boston University and the New England Research Institutes.
A Matter of Balance community classes can be offered both in-person and virtually. The in-person Matter of Balance includes 8 two-hour sessions, and the virtual A Matter of Balance includes 9 two-hour sessions. Both the in-person and virtual sessions are led by two trained facilitators for a small group of 8-12 participants.
PADS offers A Matter of Balance in partnership with the Radford University Department of Occupational Therapy.
