Stop the Fall BEFORE it Happens–Balance and Stretch for Aging Populations (2* CEU Hours)

2 Continuing Education Hours*

*Based on NASM requirements

Learning Objectives

1. Understand the urgency of promoting balance to prevent falls, and stretching to improve flexibility.
   
   
2. Learn various balance exercises and stretching programs, how to do them safely, and with progressions.
   
   
3. Develop lesson plans for exercise classes on balance and stretching for the aging population.
   
   
4. Execute the tools to progress balance and flexibility in a safe and controlled way at all times.
   
   

One of the greatest threats to aging populations is a lack of balance and coordination. This can lead to falls and other accidents that are entirely preventable, but many professionals aren’t always certain of how to properly engage and instruct seniors in improving their balance and coordination. Furthermore, stretching has been shown to increase elasticity of muscles, which is necessary for positive muscular health, especially as people age.

This directly leads to injury prevention and increased mobility. Accidents, and especially falls, have a negative impact on health, function and independent living. This course will instruct professionals in the basics of developing a balance and stretch plan for seniors as well as an effective means of teaching and encouragement along the way. It will also teach the important safety considerations to keep in mind for aging adults and specific exercises that will elicit dramatic results.