Glenn Banks of Christus St. Vincent Sports Medicine. Photo Courtesy LARSO
June 2025 A Matter of Balance graduates Photo Courtesy LARSO
LARSO NEWS RELEASE
The Los Alamos Retired and Senior Organization is pleased to announce the last “A Matter of Balance” class of 2025. A Matter of Balance (AMOB) is an evidence-based course of eight sessions to help those over the age of 60 retrain their brains to prevent fall events that can lead to hospitalization or death.
The class starts on Monday, September 8, for eight 2-hour sessions on Mondays and Thursdays from 9:30 to 11:30am at the White Rock Senior Activity Center. Please plan to attend all sessions. To sign up for the class, please call 505-672-2034. If you aren’t a member of LARSO, membership is free for anyone over age 60 and gives you access to meals, rides, programs, and other community resources. Call 505-662-8920 to learn more about membership.
AMOB Master Trainers Bernadette Lauritizen and Judy Lovejoy teach all class sessions and offer drinks, snacks, plus excellent resources like a binder with the course topics. Glenn Banks of Christus St. Vincent Sports Medicine is a guest speaker for one of the sessions. He will answer questions, demonstrate various ways to get up if you fall, and share other prevention tips.
As we age, our bodies and minds change. The course focuses on cognitive restructuring to implement changes to the way you do things, and teaches students exercises that are effective for fall prevention. AMOB emphasizes attainable shifts in your home environment, lifestyle, and thought patterns to support seniors aging in place as long as possible.
It is common for older adults to feel that they are not “old enough” or that they are not at risk for falls. What we know is that it only takes a singular instance of bending over to pick up a piece of trash, carrying too many groceries into the house, or not lifting your foot high enough, and meeting an unexpected curb to experience an unexpected fall. Learning what you can do to prevent a fall before it happens can help keep you active, engaged, and mobile so you can age in place with more self-assurance.
A Matter of Balance (AMOB) was restarted at the local Senior Activity Centers just after the Covid-19 pandemic to help people reconnect with their community and all it has to offer. Older adults often report loneliness and isolation as key issues in their daily lives. Beyond providing concrete strategies to prevent falls, AMOB is an opportunity for older adults to build more confidence as they go about their daily routines.
Previous students have positive experiences to share:
“The balance class at the Senior Center was great for me,” said Gretchen Graves, “After an injury, it was a vital addition to my recovery.”
Tony Chan explains why A Matter of Balance worked for him. “The materials taught in class are relevant, timely, and useful,” said Chan. “The classmates are pleasant and mutually supportive, and last but not least, both teachers are personable, professional, and fun to be with.”
Consider finding someone you like spending time with and taking the course together. Maybe you have a friend or family member you are worried about. You can make “A Matter of Balance” a collaborative learning experience that benefits both you and your loved one.