Elders Graduate from Matter of Balance Class
By Harrison J. Bahe
On April 3, 2025, three elders—Janice Martinez, Margaret Bennett, and Darlene Smith—graduated from the Matter of Balance class, an evidence-based, field-tested program proven to reduce the fear of falling and increase activity levels among older adults.
The graduates joyfully gathered around a celebratory cake bearing the message “Congrats!” alongside an uplifting “You did it!” next to a cheerful smiley face.
The Matter of Balance is an eight-session course originally developed at Boston University and supported through grant funding. Stefanie Camacho, Senior Center Manager, brought the program to the community to educate and, more importantly, prevent falls among older adults. “At our age, we have a lot of falls,” Janice Martinez shares.
One of the key concepts introduced in the program was a “red light, yellow light, green light” framework to help participants assess their readiness to attend social events or outings with family. The red light represented a reluctance to leave the home due to fear of falling. The yellow light indicated a willingness to go out under certain conditions, though with caution. The green light signified full confidence and readiness to engage.
“So, in our example, it says ‘We won’t go to an event because there’s too many people and I don’t know anyone there.’ (The Red Light). The next example would go, ‘Maybe I’ll go if I have somebody to assist me.’ (The Yellow Light). So, we want to change that to a green light and their next example would be, ‘Yes, I am going to that event. I’m going with so-and-so and we’re going to get there early.’ We taught them to go from ‘I’m not going, don’t ask me,’ to, ‘Yes, I will go as long as I take the precautions,’” Camacho explains.
The course also included exercises designed to build core strength and improve balance. A nurse practitioner was invited to address questions about medications, and participants learned how to safely get up from the floor in the event of a fall. The elders particularly enjoyed the physical activity component. “I gained confidence!” Martinez proudly proclaimed.
“It changed our minds, so hopefully we can get the word out there and invite more people to take it, because it’s really, really good information for the elders to have, and it could be life-changing for some that never go out and do anything,” Camacho concludes.