The CDC reports millions of seniors, 65 and older fall and one out of four seniors fall each year.  Many falls are not reported, therefore not tracked. The fear of falling becomes overwhelming, and causes many to reduce normal activities and exercise in return actually increases ones risk for falling.  Thirty-one participants completed a Matter of Balance 8 week series conducted at either the Gallatin County Senior Center or Carroll County Senior Center.  

The goal of Matter of Balance is to reduce the fear of falling, view falls as controllable, increase physical activity, exercise to increase strength and balance, and discuss fall prevention strategies. Through group discussions participants completed personal action plans, discussed fall risk behaviors, and developed a fall support group to help one another complete the course and to make better choices.  Each participant received a workbook, completed a home hazard checklist; where they had to find any fall hazards in their home and participated in 30 minutes of fall prevention exercises at each session.   

100% of participants stated as a result of this program, their understanding about fall prevention increased.  100% also agreed or strongly agreed, as a result of the class, I feel more comfortable talking to others about fears of falling.  73% percent agree that they agree to make changes to their home environment.  

A few comments made by participants include: “Think and move slower when I get up and moving in the mornings and do a little exercising my ankles.” “Planning to add a hand rail to my front door area.”