A Matter of Balance is designed to reduce fear of falling and increase activity levels among
older adults who manifest this concern. The program was developed and formally evaluated
by The Roybal Center for Enhancement of Late-Life Function at Boston University with a
grant from the National Institute on Aging. A Matter of Balance received the Archstone
Foundation Award for Excellence in Program Innovation in 1998. The Problem:
Studies indicate that up to half of community dwelling older adults experience fear of
falling, and that many respond to this concern by curtailing activity. Being inactive results
in loss of muscle strength and balance. It can also compromise social interaction and
increase the risk for isolation, depression and anxiety. Fear of falling can actually contribute
to falling. The Program:
A Matter of Balance acknowledges the risk of falling but emphasizes practical coping
strategies to reduce this concern. Trained facilitators conduct eight two-hour sessions
designed for groups of 10 to 12 participants. During the class, participants learn to view falls
and fear of falling as controllable and set realistic goals for increasing activity. They also
find ways to change the environment to reduce fall risk factors and learn simple exercises to
increase strength and balance. The Grant:
In October 2003, the Administration on Aging awarded three-year evidence-based disease
prevention grants. Southern Maine Agency on Aging, MaineHealth’s Partnership for Healthy
Aging, Maine Medical Center Division of Geriatrics, and the University of Southern Maine
School of Social Work received funding to translate A Matter of Balance into a program that
uses volunteer lay leaders as facilitators instead of health care professionals and to serve as
an innovative national model for addressing fall prevention. The Results:
Maine participants demonstrated significant improvements after completing A Matter of
Balance in their level of falls management, falls control, level of exercise and social
limitations with regard to concern about falling.
