2022 ATRA Annual Conference IN-PERSON Intensives and Workshops Proposal

Research has found that older adult populations, those over 65 years of age, experience falls at a higher rate than any other population. About 1 in 3 older adults experience a fall each year, and half of those who do fall, experience more than one. Falls can produce injuries as serious as bone fractures, soft-tissue damage, or even a TBI. Six percent of all urgent hospitalizations among older adults are due to a fall and falls can lead to decreased physical activity, cessation of recreational pursuits, and the development of a disability. Shockingly, 90% of all hip fractures are caused by a fall. Treatments that target the ability to balance and physical functioning maintenance have been found to reduce falling by up to 39 percent.

This session will focus on educating attendees of common balance problems that older adults experience and the potential cost and negative outcomes that come from falls. Current research trends in balance treatments for older adults will be discussed and the instruction of research-based treatments that target balancing abilities of those who are over 65 years of age. Attendees will learn proper exercise, tai chi, boxing, and gait training modalities that directly target balance and independence, while also being appropriate for the average older adult over 65. Special modifications for specific conditions including but not limited to Parkinson’s, Diabetes, Heart Disease, Dementia, and Arthritis. Attendees experience hands-on instruction that will leave them with the ability to create their own balance focused group.