The June 2025 'A Matter of Balance' graduates gather for a photo. Courtesy/LARSO
LARSO News:
The Los Alamos Retired and Senior Organization (LARSO) announces 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 older than 60 years old retrain their brains to prevent fall events that can lead to hospitalization or death.
The eight classes run 9:30-11:30 a.m. Mondays and Thursdays starting Sept. 8 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 not a member of LARSO, membership is free for anyone older than age 60 and gives individuals 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 people age, their bodies and minds change. The course focuses on cognitive restructuring to implement changes to the way people do things, and teaches students exercises that are effective for fall prevention. AMOB emphasizes attainable shifts in people's 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 is known 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 how to prevent a fall before it happens can help keep people active, engaged, and mobile so they can age in place with more self-assurance.
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," Gretchen Graves said, "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," Chan said. "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 to spend time with and taking the course together. Maybe there is a friend or a family member who could benefit from the class. Make "A Matter of Balance" a collaborative learning experience that benefits everyone.