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Getting older can bring about lots of changes. Sight, hearing, muscle strength, coordination and reflexes aren’t what they once were. Balance can be affected by diabetes and heart disease, or by problems with your circulation, thyroid or nervous system. Some medicines can cause dizziness. Any of these things can make a fall more likely to happen.

Clay County Public Health Center is making efforts to reduce the number of falls among the 22,676 older adults living in Clay County. The latest data shows that falls are the third leading cause of disability and death among adults 65 and older in Clay County.

Clay County Public Health Center, through funding provided by Clay County Senior Services, will teach an “evidence-based” program, Matter of Balance.  The Matter of Balance program consists of eight two-hour classes that help individuals understand risk factors for falling through education, awareness, exercise, group discussions and more.

A Matter of Balance is based on research conducted by the Roybal Center for Enhancement of Late-Life Function at Boston University. The class is designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase the activity levels of older adults who have concerns about falls.

This course can benefit anyone who is concerned about falls, has sustained a fall in the past, restricts activities because of concerns about falling, is interested in improving flexibility, balance and strength, is age 60 or older, ambulatory and able to problem-solve.

Classes are being held throughout the community. For more information, call Elizabeth at Clay County Public Health Center 595-4236.

Classes will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays from Aug. 10 to Sept. 2 at Humana Guidance Center, 215 N.E. Englewood Road in Kansas City. For more information or to enroll for this class, call 816-459-7776. This course is open to Humana and non-Humana members living in Clay County, Missouri.

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