Fall Prevention: A Matter of Balance (MOB)
Balance & Dizziness SNAPSHOT
FALL ANNUALLY
One-third of adults in the U.S. aged 65 and older fall each year, and over half of those over 75 fall annually.
DIZZINESS
15% of American adults (33 million) reported a balance or dizziness problem in recent years.
SEEK HEALTHCARE
71% of adults with moderate to severe balance or dizziness problems had seen a healthcare specialist.
Certain chronic conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease and stroke, can affect balance.
Fall Prevention: A Matter of Balance (MOB)
A Matter of Balance (MOB) enables participants to reduce their fear of falling by learning to view falls as controllable, setting goals for increasing activity levels, making minor adjustments to reduce fall risks at home, and engaging in exercises to improve strength and balance.
Who should attend Matter of Balance?
- Are concerned about falls
- Have sustained falls in the past
- Restrict activities because of concerns about falling
- Are interested in improving flexibility, balance and strength
- Are age 60 or older, community-dwelling and able to problem solve
A Matter of Balance (MOB) fall prevention program consists of eight two-hour classes, presented to a small group of 8-12 participants, led by trained coaches. The curriculum includes group discussions, mutual problem solving, role-play activities, exercise training, assertiveness training, and a few homework assignments.
The program enables participants to gain confidence by learning to:
- View falls as controllable
- Set goals for increasing activity levels
- Make changes to reduce fall risk at home
- Exercise to increase strength, coordination and balance
Participants also conduct a home safety evaluation and learn to get up and down safely. Additional topics include home safety, assertiveness, developing positive strategies for change, reducing barriers to exercise, identifying physical risk factors for falls, personal action planners, recognizing misconceptions about falls, and moving from self-defeating to self-motivating thoughts.
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