Why Applied Kinesiology, Balance and Mobility?

A GROWING PROBLEM: OLDER ADULTS AT RISK FOR FALLS

Consider the following facts:

• One-third to one-half of the adult population aged 65 and older experience falls on an annual basis
• Falls make up the dominant cause of injuries in older adults
• In 2000, 1.6 million seniors were treated in emergency departments for fall-related injuries and 353,000 were hospitalized
• Nearly 20% of Americans between the ages of 65 and 75 suffer from balance disorders; by age 75, that figure rises to 25%
• The medical expense related to falls is projected to climb to $32 billion annually by by the year 2020

Facts like these have led an increasing proportion of the adult population over the age of 55 years to be more concerned than ever with avoiding the normative physical declines associated with aging. Additionally, many aging adults experience increased anxiety due to age-related decrements in balance and mobility-placing them at increased risk for falls and injuries.

In response, Gordon College has recently opened a new 6500 square foot facility, the Center for Balance, Mobility and Wellness. The CBMW, which receives clients primarily through physician referral, features highly specialized outpatient physical therapy for older adults at risk for falls.