Aging Process: What is Happening to the Body and What Does it Mean? - 2/13/2025
Course Overview
According to the CDC, the fastest growing age group in the United States is those 65 and older. In fact, by 2060 older adults will make up 25% of the population. All health care providers will be involved in the care of this population of patients at some point throughout their careers.
It is essential that healthcare providers have an understanding of the changes that occur to the major systems of the body with aging and how these changes impact overall function and safety in order to provide the most thorough, individualized, and comprehensive care for older adults.
This course discusses at an in-depth level the physiological changes that occur with aging, the modifiable factors that impact the effects of aging, and how these contribute to the function of older adults. Participants will gain knowledge in assessing what changes are normal with aging versus those that are not, intervention strategies, and in addressing risk factors when they are identified.
Learning Outcomes
Upon the completion of this course, the learner should be able to:
- Break down 2 changes that occur to the vertebral column with aging.
- Analyze 2 contributing factors to decreased bone density that occurs in older adults.
- Characterize 2 changes that occur to the muscular system with aging.
- Analyze 2 functional implications of the changes that occur to the muscular system with aging.
- Classify 3 changes that occur in the cardiovascular systems with normal aging.
- Confirm 2 changes to the respiratory system with aging and explain how they impact the physical functioning of an older adult.
- Analyze one way in which the changes that occur with aging in the nervous system affect function.
- Classify 3 differences between normal cognitive aging changes and dementia.
- Characterize difference between cataracts, macular degeneration, and glaucoma.
- Analyze the differences between the 4 main types of incontinence.
- Break down at least 3 changes that occur with aging that result in older adults having an increased fall risk.
About the Author/Presenter
Suzanne Greenwalt, a licensed physical therapist, received her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from A.T. Still University and a Master in Physical Therapy from Saint Louis University. She has worked in a variety of clinical settings including rehabilitation, skilled nursing facilities, acute care and outpatient rehabilitation. Suzanne is a board certified Geriatric Clinical Specialist and a board certified Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Clinical Specialist. She is an educator in two Doctor of Physical Therapy programs and is an educator and mentor in a geriatric residency program.
Audience/Accreditations and Approvals
Colibri Healthcare
This course is designed for the following healthcare professions (select your profession for details):
Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy
If you require special accommodations, please contact Colibri Healthcare Support by clicking here: Contact Us
