Training Older Adults for Strength, Balance, and Stability

About 14 million older adults, or one in four over the age of 65, report falling each year with 37% seeking medical treatment for an injury (CDC, 2020). Declines in postural control and strength seen in the older population can rapidly result in severe injuries such as fractures, pain, lower quality of life, disability, and even death (Halvarsson et. al, 2015). Fear of falling can also lead to inactivity, depression, and social isolation. Rehabilitation can play a critical role inminimizing injury, boosting confidence, and improving the quality of life for older adults.

This course will aim to outline the conditions and diseases associated with poor postural instability, weakness, and imbalance commonly seen in the older adult population. The use of both quantitative and qualitative objects will be explored to collect data on balance impairments from the perspectives of the client to complement performance-based data. This information will then be translated into possibletreatment and intervention options to address the mobility limitation, weakness, fears, and lack of confidence commonlyseen in these individuals.

Target Audience: Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants, Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapy Assistants, Athletic Trainers

Highlights

• Expand your knowledge of conditions and diseases that impact balance in older adults
• Subjective and objective complementary assessments to better implement client-centered treatment
• Evidence-Based practice guidelines for balance retraining and intervention for older adults to reduce fall risk and improve quality of life