Registration is now open for Matter of Balance, a free program at the Cheshire Community YMCA. Matter of Balance is an evidence-based program designed to help teach practical skills in fall prevention.
“The program is a combination of exercise and education to help older adults reduce their risk of falling,” shares Doug Levens, who is leading the program.
In older adults, one of out of every five falls causes a serious injury and falls arethe most common cause of traumatic brain injuries. Not only do they have a potentially devastating impact on health, but they also come with a steep price tag – with the average cost of per fall at more than $30 thousand dollars per person.
A Matter of Balance is designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase the activity level of older adults who have this concern. The four-week program meets on Tuesday and Thursday from 1:45-3:45 p.m. beginning on Oct. 3, and ending on Oct. 26. Instructors cover how to set goals for increasing activity, make changes to reduce fall risks at home and how to increase strength and balance, all with a larger goal of viewing falls as controllable. Each class meets for two hours.
The program is recommended by the National Council on Aging and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Typical participants are aged 65 and older, but registration is not limited to a specific age.
The YMCA is dedicated to encouraging people of all ages and activity levels to improve their overall health and to providing a supportive community for individuals to pursue a healthier version of themselves.
A Matter of Balance joins a variety of health management and disease prevention programming at the YMCA including LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, Healthy Habits , Enhance and Functional Fitness classes, Race4Chase Triathlon Camp and Bike Safety for the Cheshire Elementary Schools.
To learn more, contact Doug Levens at (203) 272-3150 extension 503 or dlevens@sccymca.org.