Matter of Balance Classes

Under Title IIID funding, the Delaware County Office for the Aging, in collaboration with Delaware County Public Health Services, will be offering “A Matter of Balance” program. This award winning program is an evidence based health and wellness program, involving 16 hours of class time, designed to benefit older adults who are concerned about falls. The first Delaware County “A Matter of Balance” class begins Friday, January 18th at 10 am until 12 noon and runs every Friday from 10 am to 12 noon for eight weeks. The classes are being held at the Delaware County Public Safety Building, 280 Phoebe Lane, Delhi, NY. There is no cost to participants; just a commitment that they will attend the full 16 hour program once registered. If you are interested in registering contact the Office for the Aging at 607-746-6333. Classes will be held 10 am to 12 noon on January 18th, 25th, February 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, March 1st and 8th.

What is “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: Managing Concerns About Falls is a program designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase activity levels among older adults.

“A Matter of Balance” includes eight two-hour sessions for a small group led by two coaches, trained by Master Trainers for the program.. This nationally recognized program was developed at the Roybal Center at Boston University.

During the class, participants learn to:

• View falls as controllable

• Set goals for increasing activity

• Make changes to reduce fall risk at home

• Exercise to increase strength and balance

Who should attend “A Matter of Balance”?

The program was designed to benefit community-dwelling older adults who:

• Are concerned about falls

• Have sustained falls in the past

• Restrict activities because of concerns about falling

• Are interested in improving flexibility, balance and strength

• Are age 60 or older, ambulatory and able to problem solve

To sign up call Delaware County Office for Aging at 697-746-6333.