How do we age successfully and what role does balance play as we age? Older adults, over 65 years of age, are at risk for loss of balance and falling and nearly one-third of older adults fall each year. This course is designed to:

1. Educate older adults about body systems involved in balance,
2. Consider factors that impact balance risk,
3. Introduce exercises to positively influence balance,
4. Explore modifications to enhance environments, and
5. Help participants define successful aging.

Addressing fear of falling and identifying strategies to promote healthy aging is critical to successful aging. Successful aging enables older adults to engage in daily life activities and continue or explore activities such as walking, biking, running and hiking.

Dale Scalise-Smith, PT, DPT, PhD, is Professor Emerita in the Department of Physical Therapy at Utica University. She has extensive clinical experience in neurological physical therapy across the lifespan. Dr. Scalise worked in higher education for more than 30 years, in academic leadership positions. She holds bachelor and master’s degrees in physical therapy and, PhD in Education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as well as a doctorate in Physical Therapy from Utica University. She continues to practice physiotherapy in community settings and currently serves as the Vice President for the International Organization of Physiotherapists in Pediatrics (IOPTP) a specialty subgroup of World Physiotherapy.

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