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Parks, Recreation & Tourism Management

A Matter of Balance

Picture of seniors doing yoga in a classroom.

Funded by the 2021 ACL grant on Empowering Communities to Reduce Falls, A Matter of Balance is designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase the activity levels of older adults in rural Upstate South Carolina.

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Reducing falls in rural, older South Carolinians.

This award-winning program will serve approximately 750 Upstate South Carolina residents in Pickens, Oconee, Fairfield, Newberry, Saluda, Greenwood, Laurens and Abbeville counties.

  • Overview

    Through 8 two-hour sessions, A Matter of Balance classes help participants to: 

    • view falls and fear of falling as controllable. 
    • set realistic goals for increasing activity. 
    • change their environment to reduce fall risk factors. 
    • promote exercise to increase strength and balance.
  • Outcomes

    A Matter of Balance participants can expect to improve:

    • Falls efficacy
    • Falls management
    • Falls control
    • Exercise level
    • Monthly falls

    Participant satisfaction after six months: 

    • 97% are more comfortable talking about fear of falling
    • 97% feel comfortable increasing activity
    • 99% plan to continue exercising
    • 98% would recommend A Matter of Balance
  • Who should attend?

    A Matter of Balance classes are designed to benefit older adults in rural areas who:

    • are concerned about falls. 
    • have sustained a fall in the past. 
    • restrict activities because of concerns about falling. 
    • are interested in improving flexibility, balance and strength. 
    • are age 60 or older, ambulatory and able to problem-solve. 
  • Partner Agencies

    For information on A Matter of Balance programs specific to your geographic area, click the links below. 

    Clemson, SC

    Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

    Seneca, SC

    Foothills Area YMCA

    Oconee and Pickens Counties

    Appalachian Council Area Agency on Aging

    Greenwood and Laurens Counties

    Lakelands Region YMCA

    Greenwood, Laurens, Saluda and Abbeville Counties

    Upper Savannah Region Area Agency on Aging

    Fairfield and Newberry Counties

    Central Midlands Area Agency on Aging 

    South Carolina

    South Carolina Department on Aging 

  • Class Schedule

    Our first class will be offered every Tuesday and Thursday throughout October at Senior Solutions in Seneca, SC. 

    Date: 10/5 - 10/28

    Time: 1 - 3 p.m.

    Frequency: Every Tuesday and Thursday

    Location: 101 Perry Ave. Senecea, SC 29678

  • Meet our Research Team
    • Dr. Marieke Van Puymbroeck, Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management
    • Dr. Brandi Crowe, Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management
    • Dr. Karen Kemper, Department of Public Health Sciences
    • Ms. Tracy Gariepy, Department of Public Health Sciences, Ph.D. student 
    • Dr. Cheryl Dye, Department of Psychology
    • Dr. Lesley Ross, Department of Psychology
    • Dr. Christie Phillips, Department of Psychology
  • Contact Us

    For questions, or to find a local workshop, contact us at balance@clemson.edu.

    Follow us here on Facebook. 

Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management
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