Falls-and the fear of falling-take a costly toll on older adults and the health care system itself. That's why United Way's Area Agency on Aging (AAA) has brought to Tarrant County an award-winning program called "A Matter of Balance" (MOB).

Through an AAA contract with Senior Citizen Services, the program helps seniors prevent and manage falls by teaching them 30 different balance, flexibility and strength exercises. They also learn how to fall in a way that minimizes the likelihood of injury and how to get up afterward.

One of the most important benefits of the eight-session program is increased confidence. "If you don't have the confidence you need, you fall more or you stay in the house and are more homebound," said master trainer Sandy Strachan.

AAA is inviting local health care institutions to join in increasing the number of MOB trainers, coaches and classes in Tarrant County.

For more information about the Matter of Balance program or becoming a MOB volunteer coach, contact the Area Agency on Aging at 817-258-8120.