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The weather is getting warmer and more inviting, but do you or your older friend or relative still feel reluctant to go outside, to see friends, go shopping or enjoy the sunshine? Fear of falling is one reason older Pennsylvania adults are reluctant to leave their homes, leading to increased isolation, loss of physical mobility and diminished independence.
With more than one quarter of all Pennsylvania seniors suffering falling accidents each year, and falls the leading cause of fatal injuries among seniors, a fall can become a traumatic event that creates persistent negative patterns in a senior’s life.
The Greater Wyoming Valley Area YMCA with the support of the City of Wilkes-Barre Health Department will offer a free Matter of Balance Falls Prevention course starting in April. A Matter of Balance is specifically aimed at older adults who are experiencing a loss of mobility because of falls or the fear of falls. The class will be held in person with no more than 12 attendees, and is presented by two trained coaches.
A Matter of Balance helps seniors re-train their brain to improve balance and reduce fear, while also offering constructive ways to move safely that reduce the likelihood of falling. The GWVA YMCA has offered A Matter of Balance for over four years, and has heard praise from attendees each time. One recent participant said, “It helped a lot. It made me aware that I have to watch my balance. We did some exercises, and I am now walking my dog at least twice a day, about half a mile each time. I am doing pretty good … the class was very nice and I use the coffee mug we received everyday. If the Y has it again I might take it as a reminder.”
A Matter of Balance is a cognitive restructuring curriculum that includes group discussion and practical solutions, and exercise training in 6 of the 8 sessions. The curriculum helps the participants view falls and the fear of falling as controllable. Participants develop an action plan to address ongoing exercise, reducing risk factors, and changing behaviors that contribute to risk. Participants in past cohorts have mentioned how the program helped them realize what actions could lead to falls and affirmed they were ready to start thinking more critically. For example, the program helps seniors simply give themselves permission to watch where they are walking and to take their time; this greatly helps to reduce falls and fear of falling. Come to this program ready to think and do some homework!
Cost of this program is free to attendees, while the benefit of maintaining independence and mobility is priceless.
For more information and to enroll, please call Kasey Wasylyk, Chronic Disease Prevention Coordinator at the Wilkes-Barre Family YMCA, at 570-970-5022. Classes will begin at 11:30 a.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays at the Wilkes-Barre Family YMCA, 40 West Northampton St., Wilkes-Barre.