A Community Educationally Based Activity Program for the Elderly: Feldenkrais® Lessons to Increase Mobility and Decrease Fall Risk

A Community Educationally Based Activity Program for the Elderly: Feldenkrais® Lessons to Increase Mobility and Decrease Fall Risk. Decreased mobility and falls are a major concern for the elderly. As the "Baby Boomer" generation enters the 65 year and older group, this problem will escalate rapidly. Multi factorial interventions which are individualized and accessible to older adults are needed. Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement® (ATM) group lessons showed increase balance and balance confidence in patient groups. A six week program of Feldenkrais ATM lessons was developed using the application format required by the University of Utah Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. These lessons were designed to improve the efficiency of common functional activities performed by community dwelling elder adults. The six lessons developed were individualized, safe, and encouraged students to explore with curiosity common movement instructions. The Feldenkrais Method has demonstrated strong links to three learning theories; experiential education, Dynamic Systems Theory, and Critical Pedagogy. Additional qualitative and quantitative research is needed to document additional outcomes.