GARLAND — For eight weeks, the Garland Senior Center will begin its Matter of Balance Class to deal with safety matters about falling.
The first session for the free Matter of Balance is scheduled for 10 a.m. to noon Monday, April 4 at the Senior Center building, 91 Church St., Garland. Marie Faircloth, director of the center, said it’s one of many educational programs for seniors in the area. For one day a week, two-hour classes will be led by certified instructors Angela Faircloth and Luke Smith.
“I’m real excited about it,” Marie said. “We have lots and lots of falls. Everyday it seems like someone is falling. They’re getting hurt and having injuries coming from falls. We thought it would be great to provide this program at the Garland Senior Center.”
Marie said the class will also benefit other other individuals, caregivers and younger people in the community.
“They’re going to learn so much,” Marie said about preventing injuries from falls, which may damage body parts such as the hipbone. “It would teach how to prevent falls by teaching things they need to move in the house or by keeping a light on at night.”
The first session is filled up, but the senior center may host the session at other locations to accommodate for space.
In addition to the balance class, Marie said the center is also preparing for a healthy eating and exercise course for seniors, the Cooperative Extension. For Older Americans Month in May, Marie and other associates of the Senior Center will host a celebration for the community. It was established in the early-1960s to recognized the contributions of older people. The theme for 2016 is “Blaze a Trail” and emphasizes ways older adults are having a positive impact on their communities.
“There’s a lot of stuff that you can learn by coming to the Senior Center when you’re out and about,” Marie said.
For more information about the classes or upcoming events, contact Marie Faircloth at 910-529-3931 or 910-596-8246.
“We’ll be glad to give them information,” Marie said.