A Matter of Balance
Build confidence, reduce fear of falling, and learn practical ways to stay active and safe.
Class Track
Location
In-person/Remote
Sessions
8
About the Class
A Matter of Balance is an evidence-based workshop designed to help older adults reduce concerns about falling and increase activity levels. Through discussion, practical activities, goal setting, and gentle exercises, participants learn how to manage fall risks, build confidence, and maintain independence. The program combines education, peer support, and skill-building to help participants stay engaged in the activities they enjoy.
Benefits of the class
The program helps participants take practical steps toward maintaining independence and reducing concerns about falling.
- Gain confidence in your ability to move safely and stay active
- Learn practical strategies to reduce fall risks at home and in the community
- Improve strength, balance, and flexibility
- Set realistic goals for increasing physical activity
- Connect with others facing similar concerns
- Develop skills to remain independent and engaged in daily life
Why it works
A Matter of Balance addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of fall prevention, helping participants build confidence while developing practical skills they can use every day.
- Evidence-based program developed with support from the National Institute on Aging
- Addresses both fear of falling and physical fall risk factors
- Combines education, discussion, goal setting, and exercise
- Encourages behavior change through peer support and practical problem solving
- Exercises can be adapted for a wide range of abilities
Evidence Snapshot
- 97% feel comfortable increasing activity
- 99% plan to continue exercising
- 97% are more comfortable talking about fear of falling
- 98% would recommend the class
Stay Connected
"The teachers were excellent. They made everything very clear, treated us with respect and did a great job of answering our questions."
A Matter of Balance class participant
Frequently Asked Questions
Adults who are concerned about falling, have experienced a fall, limit activities because of concerns about falling, or want to improve strength, flexibility, and balance.
No. Exercises can be adapted to different ability levels and are appropriate for most older adults.
The workshop consists of eight sessions, each approximately two hours long.
No. The program combines discussion, activities, education, and exercise. Sessions 3 through 8 include approximately 30 minutes of exercise focused on balance and fall prevention.
Yes. Many participants attend because they want to stay active, maintain independence, and reduce future fall risk.
For Clinicians
A Matter of Balance is an evidence-based falls prevention intervention designed for community-dwelling older adults who are concerned about falling, have experienced a previous fall, or have reduced activity due to fear of falling.
The program combines cognitive restructuring, goal setting, problem solving, environmental risk reduction, peer support, and progressive exercise to address both fear of falling and modifiable fall risk factors.
Appropriate referrals may include patients who report fear of falling, have experienced falls, restrict activities due to fall concerns, or demonstrate reduced confidence with mobility and community participation.
Helpful referral language
Recommend A Matter of Balance for older adults who express concerns about falling, have experienced a previous fall, limit activities because of fall concerns, or could benefit from increased confidence, physical activity, and social support.
Key outcomes
Participant-reported outcomes include:
- 97% feel comfortable increasing activity
- 99% plan to continue exercising
- 97% are more comfortable discussing fear of falling
- 98% would recommend the program
Related Content
Participant Stories
13 Juniper Classes Bring Balance Back After a Brain Injury
Kathleen Sorbie experienced a traumatic brain injury from a fall three years ago that impacted her balance, large motor movements, depth perception, speech and vocabulary. But over the past two years, she’s made a 98% comeback with a focus on recovery, and dedication to 13 Juniper classes.
Participant Stories
Finding Strength, Balance, and Joy with Juniper
Adrienne Wiggins of South Minneapolis is living proof that movement can be both healing and empowering.
Flourish Blog
6 Tips for Reducing Falls in Winter
By Sara Lindquist, MD, Internal Medicine and Geriatrics