National Health Outreach and Engagement Conference 2024

Ward, J and Conner, S.
Introduction: The Matter of Balance program at the University of Tennessee has utilized a
modest budget to reach older adults throughout Tennessee through Extension and the lay leader
model. Falls cause fear in older adults and that fear often leads to restricted movement and that
lack of movement causes declines in strength and balance. Fall prevention in older adults is an
important community health initiative so as to alleviate the fear of falling, decrease the
likelihood of falling, and mitigate the negative impacts of an actual fall.

Methods & Results:Through training and outreach the UT FCS program has trained 91% of
counties (n = 86) to deliver Matter of Balance. 37% of counties (n = 32) also trained volunteer
leaders. This has led to the enrollment of over 1352 older adults in fall prevention classes since
the inception of the program in May 2021.

Discussion: This presentation or poster will present the outreach and training methods that led
to a high uptake of training and delivery of Matter of Balance though meaningful discussion of
the importance of fall prevention. A success story will frame the presentation to underscore the
importance of fall prevention in quality of life for older adults.