Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries among older adults, with over a quarter of Americans aged 65 and older experiencing a fall each year. Recognizing this serious issue, Vivalon is on a mission to keep Marin’s older adults on their feet with evidence-based falls prevention programs.
In the past year, 178 older adults have joined our programs, dramatically reducing their fear of falling while boosting their strength, balance, and confidence. This spring, our A Matter of Balance classes—a program created by Boston University and MaineHealth—have seen fantastic growth. Below, our staff, instructors, and participants share their amazing experiences and insights into this life-changing program.
Ariana Diaz Abreu – Health & Wellness Programs Administrator
Ariana has been with Vivalon for eight months. She initially joined as the Health & Wellness Program Coordinator in September 2023, and by January 2024, she had become the Health and Wellness Programs Administrator. In her new role, she quickly introduced Tai Chi for Arthritis and falls prevention, recruited bilingual instructors, and expanded the A Matter of Balance program. This spring, seven classes ran simultaneously across various locations, with one of them being offered fully in Spanish at Vivalon. She plans to introduce more classes this summer.
For Ariana, the most rewarding part of her job is seeing older adults become active and form friendships. “We have someone that was taking the class in Marin City,” Ariana recalls. “She was very active in her youth, but she has slowed down with age and wasn’t active at all. Now, she’s coming to the Healthy Aging Campus for chair yoga and other programs. When you see someone alone in class and then at the end they have friends, and I see them around the Healthy Aging Campus in a group or more involved in activities, that’s the best part for me.”
Throughout the program’s growth, Ariana has witnessed firsthand the significant impact of the falls prevention classes on participants’ everyday lives. “Last month, there was a fire alarm and we had to evacuate the building,” she recalls. “The next day, I ran into one of the participants, Elva Guzmán, and she mentioned that she believes that because of A Matter of Balance, she was able to keep herself safe. She was very aware of where she was stepping, what she was holding on to, and was able to remain calm and confident. She said that she felt like she had been training for this. She’s 82, but thanks to this program, she feels like she’s 50 again.”
As the program administrator, Ariana oversees every aspect of the classes, from recruiting and training instructors to registering clients and handling intake. She also engages with the community and partners with other organizations and is even trained as an instructor and can fill in for a class if needed. It’s clear that she is passionate about providing the most meaningful experience for both the participants and the instructor. “In all these past seven classes, I connected with every single participant to evaluate their needs and get them oriented to the program. I inform them of what the class is about that way we know whether someone really is a good fit for the program or if we should refer them to a different one.”
What advice does Ariana have for those thinking about joining? “I always tell people, if you have never taken a falls prevention class, take it so you are aware of the changes you should make. Don’t wait until you experience a fall to enroll in a falls prevention class.”
Robert Minton – Former Participant and Current Instructor
Initially skeptical about the program, Robert joined A Matter of Balance as a participant and was pleasantly surprised by its effectiveness. After being approached by Vivalon’s Healthy Aging Programs Manager, Michele Levine, he made the decision to become an instructor.
“It absolutely blew me away,” Robert recalls. “I mean, I was so far from thinking about that. I guess because of my teaching background, she thought that I might make a good teacher. I taught at the College of Marin for almost 40 years and also at San Quentin and the University of San Francisco, but mostly the College of Marin. I told her I have no problem standing in front of the group or leading group discussions for a couple of hours, but learning everything that must be learned will be a task for me. I thought about it for the rest of that day and as I was leaving at the end of the day, I said, ‘I think I’m interested.’ So, I took the class and learned instructions on how to do it and the rest is what’s going on right now.”
As a former college professor of 40 years, Robert finds joy in teaching again and fostering a supportive, familial atmosphere in the class. “I absolutely love the class and getting back into the classroom again,” says Robert. “These classes are taught pretty much the same way I taught my class. I taught Speech, and all my classes were group discussion. We would sit in a circle instead of rows of chairs like in most classrooms. Everyone could see everyone and communicate with each other. That is my method of teaching and facilitating other people to participate in the classes. The size of these classes is perfect, because it very quickly allows us to build an intimacy, like a family feeling where people quickly become less inhibited and are comfortable sharing very personal things about falls and mishaps and joys and sorrows, which is what this class is all about.”
Robert emphasizes the importance of the cognitive restructuring concept used by the A Matter of Balance program, which helps participants learn to view themselves and their capabilities in a more positive light, and enjoys seeing real changes in his students’ lives.
“We have a lot of laughs in our class at funny things that people say and the incidents that they bring up in their own lives that either contributed to falls or realizations that they just weren’t aware of in the past,” Robert shares. “Cognitive restructuring is an amazing concept and really that’s what this class is about. It feels terrific when people say, ‘Wow, that is exactly what I need.’ One lady’s shoulder was really sore, and she did a shoulder roll, which is one of the exercises. She said, ‘I can’t believe it. In one minute, the pain is gone.’ And we have people that are of all ages, younger than me, older than me, that are doing so well in their lives, that are healthy. We discovered one lady swims 45 minutes a day in a pool and then walks several miles a day. Janet is my associate that I teach with. We’re just having so much fun. I hope we get the opportunity to teach another one, because we both really would love to do it.”
Tara Sotter – Instructor
A lifelong Marin resident and retired nurse, Tara joined Vivalon after reading about the need for instructors. The scope of teaching involved in the A Matter of Balance program felt daunting at first, but she now finds the role deeply fulfilling.
“Briefly at Hospice, I was a health educator, and I felt like I had some skills there that I could use,” Tara explains. “I didn’t realize quite the scope of the teaching. It was way more than I expected, but also way more fulfilling, ultimately. Whistlestop, which became Vivalon, is such an important service. It’s always been so well regarded, and I have to say, as a Marinite, somehow, I always thought, ‘Well, when I’m old enough I get to go in that really cool club.’ I have met more cool people at Vivalon than I could have ever hoped for.”
Tara appreciates the community aspect of the classes, where participants share wisdom and support each other. “There’s a lot of friendships that develop and unlikely support from people,” Tara explains. “What I am so impressed by is how the whole group is so supportive and so gentle with each person and so willing to share their own experiences. When you get into this group, people are kind of shocked and relieved. Like, ‘Wow, other people feel the same way I feel.’ They’re not alone in feeling this vulnerability at an older age and never knowing quite what to do about that.”
“I’m just personally so thankful that Vivalon has given me a chance to reengage with people,” Tara continues. “As a teacher it’s as much about what it does for me. They’re actually helping me. Every time I show up, I’m receiving so much more than I’m giving, and that’s so corny, but it’s so true.”
Jan Collinson – Participant
Jan, a retired labor and delivery nurse, found Vivalon through a neighbor and now participates in various classes, including falls prevention. She values the practical advice and mindfulness techniques taught in the program. Jan particularly enjoyed a session on how to fall and get up safely, which she found both informative and reassuring. The program has made her more mindful and patient, contributing significantly to her sense of well-being.
“I’m much more mindful of what I’m doing now and where I’m going,” says Jan. “I’ve slowed down considerably, and I’ve gotten a lot more patience in the class. I’m taking the Tai Chi class too, and what a great class. The instructor is magical. She’s amazingly patient, and it’s really helped me with walking instead of rushing.”
Vivalon’s falls prevention programs have proven to empower older adults to lead safer, more active lives. The next session of A Matter of Balance starts on July 10. If you or someone you know could benefit from falls prevention classes at Vivalon, click here to learn more or call Ariana Diaz Abreu at 415-456-9062 x165.
A Matter of Balance instructors trained to provide classes this past spring.
