Between a series of brightly colored half-spheres, over a nine-inch bar and across a six-inch beam, Ramona Gaudette navigates her way through an obstacle course with the help of LincolnHealth Physical Therapist Heather Brewer.

The obstacle course is part of the final day of a four-week free course designed to help older people improve their balance and reduce their risk of falls. Falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older Americans, according to the National Council on Aging, and the risk increases with age. The class is designed to both keep participants safer and build their confidence.

Gaudette, who attended with her sister, Cynthia Dodge, said the class had “absolutely” helped her feel safer and more ready for the winter.

“It is making a difference, both my sister and I feel a lot more comfortable,” she said. And she liked the fact that it was free.

“We feel encouraged,” said Terry Quinn. Quinn said the exercises he learned at the class are something he can do himself at home.

Part pep talk, part practical guide to improving safety in the home and part exercise class, the four-week course is full to capacity. Another class scheduled to start later this month was full before it was even advertised.

Deborah Hidu, a certified occupational therapy assistant at LincolnHealth, said the course is designed to help participants reduce the risk of falls in the home and improve their balance so they are safer when they go out.

Hidu and Brewer encourage participants to get out of the house and stay active. Fear of falls can lead to a downward spiral with greater inactivity leading to weakness, which in turn makes people more vulnerable to falls. The goal is to stay active and engaged, but to stay safe, said Hidu.

In the second week of December, the class will be invited back to the St. Andrews Campus for a follow-up session to see if gains have been made. Participants are encouraged to continue with the recommended exercises on their own.

Hidu said that results of a follow-up from an earlier class were encouraging with 75 percent of participants showing improvement in their fall risk screens.

For more information about balance classes or other services call 633-1928.