OAKFIELD, Maine — Whether it be icy driveways or a slippery floor, seniors are learning how a “Matter of Balance” helps them stay on their feet.
The Matter of Balance Program is facilitated by Bonnie Pratt of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program in southern Aroostook County. Pratt attended classes in Presque Isle two years ago to be a trained facilitator for the program.
“I absolutely love it,” she said. “It is so beneficial. It has been proven that not only does it save money by preventing falls so that people do not have to go to a nursing home (for recuperating). It even saves lives.”
This nationally recognized program was researched and developed at the Roybal Center at Boston University. It was first implemented in 2004. A pilot program was done in Maine to help with late-life functioning.
Pratt is facilitating a class in Oakfield and previously held one in Houlton at Market Square Commons. Participants go to the class for two hours, one day a week for eight weeks. The program is free. During the eight weeks, a healthcare professional visits the class such as Dr. Ron Ouellette, a local chiropractor/acupuncturist and Ben Bell, a local pharmacist.
“It is amazing by the end of eight weeks to see the improvement in them,” said Pratt. “People are starting to call me the ‘exercise lady.’ I never in my lifetime thought I would be called an exercise lady.”
The classes include group discussion, problem solving, skill building, assertiveness training and exercise.
“We share practical solutions,” Pratt added. “And, we have fun.”
The program was designed to reduce the fear of falling, while increasing activity levels in older adults.
“Some people are hard-of-hearing, but I encourage them to come for the socialization and I am doing one-on-one sessions with them in their home to help them benefit from the program,” Pratt said.
Pratt had read a piece by Gretchen Reynolds that sums up the pieces of the Matter of Balance program. She said, “Offering hope and encouragement to the many adults who have somehow neglected to exercise for the past few decades, a new study suggests that becoming physically active — even in middle age — even if you have been sedentary for years, it reduces the likelihood that he/she will become seriously ill or physically disabled in retirement.”
Pratt recognized that even though she and her family had changed their diets for the better, it wasn’t enough.
“I was concerned because I had started to stiffen up. I didn’t like the way I felt. But, these exercises are so sensible and fun. I never thought exercise would be associated with me,” she laughed.
Pratt said that falls are common, predictable and preventable. For some the fear of falling leaves them isolated, depressed and anxious.
“This is what the program is helping with,” she said.
Participants learn the right way to walk, what to wear for shoes and to ask questions of their medical adviser to what may be causing them to fall.
“Because of this program, two people in my group, the doctor has checked them and found they were in serious trouble. It is a well-rounded program.”
Pratt encourages others to volunteer their time to such activities as the Matter of Balance program.
“I love volunteering,” she said.
People can come up with all kinds of excuses, but volunteering does not have to take a lot of time and people do not have to have special skills or talents. They just need to be themselves.
Those interested in volunteering can call the Retired Senior Volunteer Program at 764-3396 and ask for Dottie Sines. The next facilitator training for the Matter of Balance program in Houlton is at Empowering Life on Military Street from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on March 27. For more information, call 800-439-1789 or 764-6185.
What did you think?
Bonnie Pratt spoke with participants of the Matter of Balance program and asked them, “How did you benefit from the classes?”
Marge Seiler: “I liked awareness of falling and doing something about it. I enjoyed the class and relationships with people who were there.”
Dee Locke: “I liked the exercises you can just sit and do. It was good to see everyone. Bonnie made it interesting. time went fast and we had coffee and healthy snacks at break. I heard different problems people can work on. People were very interesting who came to the class. The exercises were ones we can do ourselves.”
Sharon Anderson: “The class was helpful. The exercises were ones anyone can do. I have been telling people about the exercises you can do in a chair. I liked the shoulder rolls. I had a kink in my neck and it helped. There are simple things you don’t know about. I find myself exercising around the house now. A lady I talked to, who is also taking the class, enjoyed getting out and seeing people rather than staying at home. She wishes there were some more [classes], she is sad to see it end. I would like to see more people take the class.”
Ramona White: “I liked a lot of it; the speakers, camaraderie, exercises were an enjoyable experience. I know one lady who would have gotten there regardless, she enjoyed it so much. Every time I start up the stairs now, I realize I learned about support. At 85-plus, if you fall, things happen. For an older person to fall is like shaking a baby.”
Sherry Shaw: “Whether I am sitting or laying down and want to get up, I stop and think what is the proper way to do this. I go slower and I am more aware before I make moves that there is a proper way to do this. I do it the way Bonnie taught us. It is a routine now to do it the right way.”
