A Matter of Balance, sponsored by Be Active North Carolina and Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, can help reduce the fear of falling and increase the activity levels of older adults who have concerns about falling. Many seniors experience fear of falling and restrict their activities. A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls  emphasizes practical strategies to reduce this fear and increase activity levels.

• are concerned about falls

• have sustained a fall in the past

• restrict activities because of concerns about falling

• are interested in improving flexibility, balance and strength

• are age 60 or older, ambulatory and able to problem solve

Recent studies indicate that unintentional falls are the leading cause of injury death among the 65+ population nationally. Approximately 35% of all seniors 65 and over, fall each year. This percentage increases as age increases. By 2020, the total cost of all fall-related injuries among the 65 and over population in the US will be approximately $43.8 billion.

In North Carolina, accidental falls represent approximately 25% of hospitalization. The average hospital stay is estimated at over $20,000.

Be Active North Carolina plans to launch a statewide pilot falls prevention program and evaluation study this year. Be Active Aging 35% of seniors over age 65 fall each year. $20,000 is the average cost of a hospital stay in North Carolina for a senior as a result of a fall.

This award* winning program is designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase activity levels of older adults who have concerns about falls. This program utilizes volunteer coaches to teach the eight two-hour sessions. Participants learn to:

• view falls and fear of falling as controllable
• set realistic goals to increase activity
• change their environment to reduce fall risk factors
• promote exercise to increase strength and balance

*Awards
Healthcare and Aging Award, American Society on Aging 2006
Innovations and Achievements Award, National Association of Area Agencies on Aging 2006

This program is based on Fear of Falling: A Matter of Balance. Copyright ©1995 Trustees of Boston University. All rights reserved. Used and adapted by permission of Boston University.