NEK Council on Aging Offers Programs in Fall Prevention

According to the National Council on Aging, falls are the leading cause of fatal injury and the most common cause of nonfatal trauma-related hospital admissions among older adults. One out of four Americans aged 65 and over falls every year.

In an effort to continually draw awareness to fall prevention, the Northeast Kingdom Council on Aging (NEKCOA) offers several free programs for falls prevention throughout the Northeast Kingdom all year long. They include Tai Chi, line dancing, the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program, and the award-winning falls prevention program A Matter of Balance.

Endorsed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, A Matter of Balance is a free eight-week program that is designed to teach participants to view falls as controllable, set goals for increasing activity, make changes to reduce fall risks at home, and exercise to increase strength and balance. The program was developed in the 1990’s at Boston University and is designed for those at least 60 years old.

A Matter of Balance is for those who are concerned about falling, interested in improving balance, flexibility and strength, have fallen in the past, and have restricted their activities because of falling concerns. There are three eight-week classes offered throughout 2019: Derby Line at the First Universalist Parish (starting May 1st from 1 – 3 p.m.), Island Pond at Sunrise Manor (starting July 10th from 9 – 11 a.m.), and St. Johnsbury at the United Community Church (starting September 25 from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.).The co-leaders will be Karen Budde and Jenny Patoine.

In addition to retirement communities and senior centers, A Matter of Balance can be configured for a work site with older employees, fraternal clubs, social-service organizations, and church groups.

The full schedule of all wellness program classes is available in the Master Event Calendar.

To register for A Matter of Balance, call Karen Budde (800) 642-5119 or send an email to: info@NEKCouncil.org and place “AMOB” in the subject line.