“As individuals age, learning to live without functioning hands is challenging physically, mentally, emotionally and socially,” said Kathy Ramaekers, OT and hand therapist for Hillcrest. “A hand therapist works to get his or her patients back to as much normal function as possible.”

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), falls are the second-leading cause of accidental or unintentional injury deaths worldwide.

Many older Americans fear falling, and there’s good reason for this. According to the National Institute on Aging, more than one in three people 65 years or older fall each year, with the risk of falling — and fall-related problems — rising with age.

Severe arthritis can result in chronic pain, inability to do daily activities and difficulty in walking or climbing stairs.

Studies continue to show that the use of physical therapy instead of prescription medication is an effective and safe pain-relieving option for the aging adult.