Free "A Matter of Balance" workshops help seniors reduce risk of falling, increase activity

FORT MYERS, Fla. - July 31, 2018 - PRLog -- The Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida (AAASWFL) is partnering with Hope Healthcare to offer a free health and wellness program, "A Matter of Balance" in Fort Myers.  The eight-week workshop starts August 29 and continues through October 17. The class is designed to help older adults manage their concerns about falling and improve their physical strength and balance.

Class size is limited and advance registration is required.  Workshops will be presented on eight consecutive Wednesdays from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Hope Healthcare's HealthPark facility, 9470 HealthPark Circle in Fort Myers.

Falls are the leading cause of fatal injuries among seniors.  According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, one in four seniors fall each year.  High fall rates among older adults are the result of physiological changes, including a loss of balance, muscle strength and stability issues.  Data from the Florida Department of Health indicates that falls accounted for 2.6% of senior deaths in Southwest Florida in 2016.

"A lot of older adults begin to limit their activity because they're afraid of falling," explains Sherry Young, Health & Wellness Coordinator at AAASWFL.  "That leads to less independence and in many cases, poorer physical health.  'A Matter of Balance' helps restore that confidence and independence by reducing the risk of falling."

A Matter of Balance is an evidence-based program that emphasizes strategies to manage falls.  Participants will increase their strength and balance, make changes to reduce fall risks at home, and set goals for increasing activity levels.  Funding for A Matter of Balance is provided through the Older Americans Act title III-D and administrated through the Florida Department of Elder Affairs.

For more information or to register for the eight-week A Matter of Balance workshop, call Sherry Young at 866-413-5337 or email sherry.young@aaaswfl.org.

The Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida is a nonprofit organization serving Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hendry, Lee, and Sarasota Counties.  Celebrating its 40th year in Southwest Florida, AAASWFL's mission is to connect older adults and adults with disabilities to resources and assistance for living safely with independence and dignity. AAASWFL is the state's designated Aging and Disability Resource Center for Southwest Florida.   More information about AAASWFL is available at http://www.aaaswfl.org or by calling the toll-free Helpline at 866-413-5337 (866-41-ELDER).