White Rock Senior Center is hosting ‘A Matter of Balance’ starting Monday, May 20. Courtesy photo

SENIOR CENTER NEWS

On Monday, May 20 the White Rock Senior Center will begin hosting a course called “A Matter of Balance.

The evidence-based program is designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase activity levels among older adults. It includes 8 two-hour sessions led by a team of Master Trainers which includes Maria Francis, Sharon Tolleson, and Judith Rhodes.

The program is designed for adults age 60 and older that may be concerned about falls, have sustained falls in the past, restrict activities because of concerns about falling or for those that just want to improve their flexibility, balance and strength.

Memberships for adults 60 and over are free for the Los Alamos Retired and Senior Organization. LARSO membership includes both the Los Alamos (Betty Ehart ) Senior and the White Rock Senior Center.

A suggested donation for the course is optional for LARSO members.

Falls are the leading cause of accidental injury death among adults 65 years of age and older in the United States. New Mexico ranks 1.7 times higher than the national average according to the Matter of Balance team. Their program enables participants to achieve significant goals and gain confidence by learning to view falls as controllable, set goals for increasing activity, make changes to reduce fall risk at home and exercise to increase strength and balance.

A Matter of Balance is a program of the New Mexico Department of Health and there are more than 160 coaches in 21 counties in the  state. It is also offered in 41 states, the District of Columbia and Canada.

The classes at the White Rock Senior Center will take place from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on  Mondays from May 20 through June 17. For more information call 505.672.2034. \Additional information is available by calling 672-2034. You can also learn more
about the centers at http://www.losalamosseniorcenters.com.