Title: The Aging Hand 

Members - FREE

Non-Members - $20

Virtual Meeting 7:00 pm 

Please note - These sessions are not recorded for future viewing.

REGISTER HERE

Number of Contact Hours: 1.0

Facilitator and Speaker:  

Speaker:  Susanne Giannitti OTR/L

Facilitator: Susanne Giannitti OTR/L

Bio/Background of the Speakers:

ConnOTA community of practice-perspectives in aging members are OT practitioners who work with older adults, have worked with older adults, or who are seeking to work with this population. Areas of practice include but are not limited to hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, long-term care facilities, home care, ALF, ILF, Adult Day Care, Senior Centers, as well as students, retirees, and those who teach older adult OT content. Members bring their expertise and skill set as well as questions and a strong desire to use social learning theory to learn, share, and pool resources and knowledge.

Mastery of group objectives is orally assessed.

Learning Objectives Attendees Should Achieve:

By the end of the session, participants will be able to:

1. Name eight normal age-related changes in the hand.
2. Recognize the effects of arthritis, Parkinson’s Disease, Dupuytren’s Contracture, CVA, and Diabetes have on aging hand function.
3. Provide patients with joint protection techniques.

Summary of Event:

Studying the aging hand is important due to its profound implications for the quality of life and independence of older individuals. As the hand undergoes natural aging processes, it becomes susceptible to pathologies that can significantly impact function. Conditions such as osteoarthritis, Dupuytren's contracture, Parkinson’s Disease, CVA, and diabetes commonly affect the aging hand, leading to pain, stiffness, and deformities that interfere with daily activities. Additionally, age-related changes in skin elasticity, muscle mass, and joint flexibility can exacerbate the risk of injuries, such as fractures, dislocations, and healing further compromising hand function. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of these pathologies and their impact on hand function is essential for developing effective preventive strategies, therapeutic interventions, and occupational therapy approaches tailored to the unique needs of older adults.

This event is sponsored by Connecticut occupational therapy practitioners. ConnOTA is supporting this event by overseeing the award of CEUs for registered participants.