Christopher Heights of Northampton to Host ‘A Matter of Balance’

NORTHAMPTON — Christopher Heights of Northampton, an assisted-living community, will be a host location for Highland Valley Elder Service’s “A Matter of Balance” program. Featuring eight two-hour sessions for a small group led by a trained facilitator, this nationally recognized program was developed at the Roybal Center at Boston University.

Many older adults experience a fear of falling. People who develop this fear often limit their activities, which can result in physical weakness, making the risk of falling even greater. “A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls” is a program designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase activity levels among older adults. During the class, participants learn 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.

The program was designed to benefit community-dwelling older adults who are concerned about falls, have sustained falls in the past, restrict activities because of concerns about falling, or are interested in improving flexibility, balance, and strength.

The program is free of charge and will take place on consecutive Thursdays starting Sept. 14, with the last of the eight-week sessions taking place on Nov. 2. The sessions run from 2 to 4 p.m. at Christopher Heights of Northampton, 50 Village Hill Road.

Registration is required. Those wanting to register or looking for more information should contact Kristy Livingston at Christopher Heights at (413) 584-0701 or klivingston@christopherheights.com.