As the general population lives longer and ages gracefully, the desire to retain as much function as possible is a necessity. There may be many pitfalls that hamper a person’s ultimate goal of independent living. Age related ailments such as debility, muscle atrophy, balance and gait dysfunctions, and falls plague the elderly community. These conditions detract from the person’s quality of life in a period of time when they should be enjoying the fruits of their labor and their long existence. Physical Therapy plays a key role in maintaining and improving a person’s functional abilities.
A therapist helps geriatric patents correct their posture. 
A therapist works with a patient on strength building exercises. 
Geriatric patients practice stretching exercises. Proper education and awareness regarding the difficulties of aging along with targeted exercises can be of importance to this population. Strengthening, balance training, and endurance management can assist the elderly with their mobility issues and decrease age related injuries. The Physical Therapist will work to reduce risks of falls, correct gait and walking conditions, and improve postural deficits that can result in injury, surgery, and loss of independence. Physical Therapists have a great understanding and appreciation for life and its ever-changing needs. Therefore, therapists are trained to treat all functional levels and abilities with patients of all ages. They can see the full scope of a person’s potential and work hand in hand to return them to their prior level of function and beyond.