This is the first installment in a monthly series of columns by the Capital Area Wellness coalition. The coalition meets in the Smile Building on the second Wednesday of each month at 8 a.m. For more information, call 867-8194 or visit capwellness.org.
Falls can be a life-changing event that limits independence. “A Matter of Balance” is an eight-week, evidence-based program offered by Concord Regional Visiting Nurse Association that uses recommendations from healthcare professionals, exercise and the experiences of participants in the program to help older adults prevent falls and conquer their fear of falling.
“I forgot about some ways to prevent falls over the years, and this program helped remind me of them,” said Louise Kenney who recently completed the program in Epsom. “I also exercise more. I do that every day now.”
Kenney has shown a remarkable improvement. She’s noticed that she has gotten stronger and her endurance has improved. She walks with a greater confidence that you can see in her.
Each year, one in every three adults age 65 and older falls. Falls can lead to moderate to severe injuries such as hip fractures and head traumas and are a leading cause of hospitalizations. Fortunately, falls are preventable.
“A Matter of Balance” was developed at the Roybal Center at Boston University to benefit older adults who:
∎ are concerned about falls;
∎ have sustained a fall in the past;
∎ restrict activities because of concerns about falling;
∎ are interested in improving flexibility, balance, and strength;
∎ are age 60 or older, physically active, and able to problem solve.
Among the topics covered are examining and evaluating the fear of falling and the reasons older adults restrict activities, warm-up exercises, strength and balance, why falls happen, and techniques on how to get back on your feet if you fall. Realistic goals for increasing activities are set and how to make changes to reduce falls risk at home are discussed.
“The snow is slippery which makes me unsteady on my feet,” said Nancy Degnan who also recently completed the program in Epsom. “One of the participants suggested that I enter and exit my home through the back door, walk on the gravel, where it is not as slippery as a sidewalk covered in the snow when I head out to the driveway. It was a very good idea and worked out very well.”
I encourage any person over the age of 60 to sign-up for a class today and start taking control of their personal wellness. I have seen this program help many older adults increase their physical activity level, improve assertiveness skills, and make positive changes to “fall-ty” behaviors.
Keliane Totten, community benefit director with Concord Regional VNA in Concord, is responsible for the oversight of community health service programs and education. “A Matter of Balance” received the 2006 Healthcare and Aging Award from the American Society on Aging as well at the 2006 Innovations and Achievements Award from the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging. For more information about the program, please contact Keliane at 224-4093, 800-924-8620, ext. 5681 or visit crvna.org.
