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 a program designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase activity levels among older adults.

It includes 8 two-hour sessions for a small group of 8-12 participants led by a trained facilitator. More detailed program information can be found here.

Participants will 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

This program brings together the life experience of its participants and the expertise of community professionals. From the first session, participants put new skills to use. Group members set short term goals each week – goals that focus on life activities that are most important to them. Physical therapists, pharmacists, and other experts help the group adapt fall prevention practices for individual needs and levels.

It includes 7 two-hour sessions for a small group of 10-14 participants led by a trained facilitator. More detailed program information can be found here.

Participants will:

• Practice exercises to increase strength and balance
• Discuss topics that include home hazards, safe footwear, vision and falls, community mobility, coping after a fall, and understanding how to initiate a medication review
• Speak with guest experts about how to reduce fall risks

This program consists of 17 strength and balance exercises and a walking program, performed three times a week by the older adult in the home, outpatient, or community setting.

Exercises can be done individually or in a group setting and will occur over the course of 8 weeks. More detailed program information can be found here. 

Participants will experience:

• up to 35% reduction in falls in high-risk older adults
• Improvements in functional performance measures
• Improvements in perceived abilities

This program uses the principles and movements of Tai Chi to help senior citizens improve their balance and increase their confidence in doing everyday activities.

This evidence-based program is proven to reduce falls, improve fitness, and is designed for older adults who are interested in improving balance, flexibility and strength. More detailed program information can be found here.

Classes are led by a trained/certified instructor; twice a week, for 60 minutes for 10 weeks.

Tai Chi is not just good for balance; take a look at the National Institute for Health’s Summary of Tai Chi Health Benefits.

Participants will learn:

• Balance Skills
• Proper Body Alignment
• Coordinated Tai Chi movements

There are 3 Levels of the program offered, each level is a 10-week workshop. 

• Level 1: Movements 1-12 (For Beginners)
• Level 2: Movements 13-21
• Full Form Practice