LEWISTON – Central Maine Medical Center will present “A Matter of Balance,” a program developed to help older people better manage falls and the fear of falling, beginning Monday, Jan. 7.

As people grow older, they often become increasingly fearful of falling and restrict their physical activity. A Matter of Balance is a program developed at Boston University Roybal Center on Applied Gerontology that strives to help older people cope with their fear of falling and learn to control falls and potential falls through a variety of tactics, including environmental changes and exercises that improve strength and balance.

Those who have completed the program said they experienced significant improvements in their ability to manage falls, use falls control, ability to exercise and reduce social limitations resulting from concerns about falling.

Participants learn to view falls as controllable, set goals for increasing their activity, make changes to reduce fall risks at home and increase their strength, balance and flexibility.

Classes for the four-week series will be presented from 9 to 11 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays in the CMMC Health and Wellness Center, 12 High Street Medical Office Building.

A small fee will be assessed for participation in the series and must be paid prior to beginning the program. However, funding is available for those who cannot afford the fee. Class registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Call 795-2473 to register or to obtain more information. Information is also available through the Events Calendar at www.cmmc.org.