A Matter of Balance
A Matter of Balance is an evidenced-based, award-winning program designed to help older adults reduce the fear of falling and increase physical activity. The program was designed to benefit anyone concerned about falling or who has had a fall in the past or restricted their activities due to the fear of falling. People who have an interest in improving flexibility, balance and strength are also candidates for the program.
The program teaches participants to think about the fear of falling as being controllable, set realistic goals to increase activity and work on changing their environment to reduce their risk.
The workshops are facilitated by two trained coaches and are interactive. Classes are offered once a week for eight weeks and each class is two hours long. Most classes have from 8-16 members who engage in group discussion, problem-solving, brainstorming, sharing and participating in A Matter of Balance exercises. Each participant receives a manual to use during the workshop which contains the class activities and homework. A Matter of Balance exercises are also in the manual. It’s not a full two hour exercise program, but exercises are a big component of the program and are introduced during the third session. A physical or occupational therapist also attends one of the classes to show how to safely get up from a fall and answer questions from the group.
Participants will learn how to:
- View falls as controllable
- Set realistic goals for increasing activity
- Reduce their fall risk at home and in their environment
- Increase balance and strength with the exercises
A Matter of Balance – falls prevention program
Classes meet once a week for 8 weeks, for 2 hours each class
Wednesdays, April 24 – June 12, 2024
9:00 am – 11:00 am
LOA’s Center for Health & Wellness
4902 Frontage Rd NW, Roanoke, VA 24019
To register or for more information, please contact:
Delaine Caldwell at LOA, dcaldwell@loaa.org or (540) 345-0451 ext. 3041.
Who should attend? Anyone concerned about falls; anyone interested in improving balance, flexibility, and strength; anyone who has fallen in the past; anyone who has restricted activities because of falling concerns.
Bingocize®
Combine Bingo, Education, and Exercise to Improve Your Health
The Local Office on Aging is delivering the falls prevention curriculum of Bingocize®! Bingocize® is a 10-week, evidence-based health program approved through both SNAP-Ed and The National Council on Aging (NCOA). It combines exercise and health information with the familiar game of bingo, which has shown to be a great, fun way to get seniors moving and socializing. It’s meant to be played twice a week on nonconsecutive days, and each session lasts 45-60 minutes. Bingocize® can be implemented remotely or in a traditional face-to-face setting.
“As I grow older, I try to do everything I can to be active.”
“I love to play Bingo. I like to be with people.”
“I’ve seen improvements in my strength and flexibility.”
For class schedules or more information, please contact:
Delaine Caldwell at LOA, dcaldwell@loaa.org or (540) 345-0451 ext. 3041.