KINGFIELD – For many senior citizens, fears of falling, injury and helplessness are all too real, sometimes from firsthand experience. For the past three weeks, older residents from the greater Kingfield area have been learning how to overcome those fears and increase their activity levels and balance.
The nationally-recognized program, “A Matter of Balance,” has been attended by more than a dozen participants on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Webster Hall. A partnership between the Mt. Abram Regional Health Center Corp. and SeniorsPlus, the four-week program will conclude next week after two more meetings.
“The program is designed to lessen the fear of falling and add greater activity to help prevent falls,” said Sandy Gregor, the SeniorsPlus Community Center coordinator.
Gregor, who runs the two-hour sessions, said the program provides teaching, encouragement and exercise to the seniors.
Last Tuesday, the group discussion centered on barriers to exercise and how to overcome them. Seniors listed barriers such as busy schedules, lack of ambition and the time it takes to see results from exercising.
They then counteracted those barriers by listing the encouragements to and benefits of regular exercise. Group members said exercise makes a person feel better and have better balance, gives one a sense of accomplishment and can help prevent some illnesses. They also noted an increase in quality of life and sleep.
Gregor encouraged them to learn to problem solve. If motivation is an issue, she said, ask a friend to walk with you or exercise together at home. Others suggested joining a group, starting an exercise group of their own with several other people or simply taking the dog for a walk for company.
The “Matter of Balance” program was developed by the Raybal Center for Enhancement of Late-Life Function at Boston University. It’s specifically designed to reduce seniors’ fear of falling and to increase their activity levels. “A Matter of Balance” has received several national awards and been noted as an “exemplary program for senior centers and other facilities.”
The Kingfield program will continue next week on Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to noon.
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