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Abstract
As the population and longevity of older adults’ increases, the prevalence of falls is becoming an ever-growing issue. One in three adults aged 65 years and older experience a fall each year. Falls in older adults may lead to sedentary behavior, decreased independence, and lower quality of life. Evidence has shown that traditional exercise programs emphasizing strength and balance exercises can decrease the fall risk in older adults, but may be difficult to sustain over time. Emerging evidence suggests that exercises that are integrated into daily life may have a more lasting effect in reducing fall risk in older adults. This study explored the effectiveness of an integrated exercise program, the modified-LiFE program, in decreasing fall risk in community-dwelling older adults. Results supported integrative exercise programs may decrease fall risk in community-dwelling older adults with previous history of falls. Therefore, integrating exercises into daily life offers occupational therapists an effective occupation-based intervention that promotes safety, independence, and quality of life for older adults.
Department
Occupational Therapy
Faculty Advisor
Kitsum Li, OTD, OTR/L, CSRS
Publication Date
Fall 2017
Sponsorship/Conference/Institution
Department of Occupational Therapy, Dominican University of California
City
San Rafael, CA
Keywords
fall prevention, falls, older adult, safety, integrative exercise, fall risk, aging in place, occupational therapy, balance, strength
Disciplines
Geriatrics | Occupational Therapy