Unfortunately, a fall remains a dangerous possibility for many older adults, which is why the Middle Georgia Area Agency on Aging created a program titled “A Matter of Balance.”
Taking place over eight weeks at the Eatonton Library, older adults and caretakers of older adults are welcome to join Aging Services Registered Nurse Nicole Gaither as she teaches how to overcome the fear of falling while gaining confidence through both advice and simple exercise. Sessions are held 10-11 a.m. on Tuesdays, with the last scheduled for March 5.
Last week, Gaither welcomed those taking the program to the second session. Some attendees who felt inspired and encouraged by the first session on Jan. 16, invited friends to join them for the second meeting.
“A Matter of Balance is an evidence-based program sponsored by the National Council on Aging and developed by Boston Health University in Maine. It is specifically for those who are concerned about falls. You might not have had a fall already, but you may just be concerned,” Gaither explained.
The program began with introductions from both old and new faces, with several expressing personal concern about possible falls and their readiness to learn about fall prevention before diving into the accompanying workbook.
“My passion is prevention,” said physical therapist Terri Burner, who works in home health for Putnam, Baldwin, Wilkinson, Hancock, and Washington counties.
“Everything I have seen in this class so far is fantastic. I can’t wait for you guys to be able to implement it,” she told attendees.
The first activity during this meeting focused on attitudes and opinions about falling.
Gaither provided statements such as: “Most falls cannot be prevented,” with attendees then asked to agree or disagree.
Attendees largely disagreed with this particular declaration, as most were specifically attending the meeting to learn how to prevent future falls for themselves.
One statement that many attendees agreed with, however, was “Falling is humiliating.”
Gaither explained that agreeing with this statement, or any of the others given during the activity, could lead to not reporting a fall.
But not reporting a fall to a relative or doctor means that the cause of the fall may not be discovered, she added.
“Knowing why a fall occurred is the first step in preventing future falls. Having a conversation with someone may help you identify this,” she said. “One out of four people over the age of 65 fall each year, and one in three are concerned about falling. The concern is even more prevalent than the fall itself. Most falls do not result in serious injury – but they are not meant to be a normal part of “aging.'"
The conversation then shifted to overcoming fear and remaining active in life.
“We want you to still find ways to enjoy life and be active as much as you would like to be,” Gaither said while emphasizing the importance of spending time with others and still doing things that make you “happy.”
The group also discussed possible scenarios that would make them fearful of falling, like walking upstairs at a neighbor’s house or on bleachers at a sporting event, for example.
Solutions included taking another entrance without stairs if available, asking for assistance, or simply going at a slower, steady pace. There are always options, especially when you communicate your needs, she stressed.
Inside the program workbook, there was space for attendees to identify an instance that may cause fear of a fall, with writing prompts to help them reach a solution. They could take these books home with them and over a week write in them or refer to any previous lessons as needed. The next session will include some simple exercises to help build confidence and strength, as well as discussions.
“If you put your mind to it and you go for it, you’ll do it very well,” said one attendee when talking about implementing the strategies taught in this session.
Gaither can be reached at the Middle Georgia Regional Commission- Area Agency on Aging by calling 888-5481456 or by emailing ngaither@mg-rc.org for additional information.