Body Changes with Age: Musculoskeletal System
The musculoskeletal system supports the body’s structure, movement, and physical independence. As people age, bone density decreases, muscles weaken, and joint flexibility declines—contributing to changes in mobility, falls, and injuries. This course provides caregivers with a foundational understanding of the musculoskeletal system, common age-related changes, and conditions such as arthritis and osteoporosis. Caregivers will learn to observe and report changes in client mobility, pain, or posture, and how to safely assist with movement, range of motion exercises, positioning, and the use of assistive devices.
60 Min Certificate included 100% online English Audio & Captions
Learning Objectives
What you'll learn
By the end of this course, caregivers will be able to:
- Describe the basic anatomy and function of the musculoskeletal system, including bones, muscles, joints, and connective tissues.
- Explain how aging affects the musculoskeletal system, including loss of bone density, muscle mass, and joint flexibility.
- Identify common musculoskeletal conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, fractures, and mobility disorders.
- Recognize changes that should be reported to a nurse, such as new pain, swelling, weakness, falls, or difficulty with movement.
- Assist with client care procedures including safe transfers, ambulation, positioning, range of motion exercises, and use of assistive devices.
- Support physical activity and movement in alignment with the care plan to help maintain strength, independence, and comfort.
- Promote safety and injury prevention, including proper body mechanics and fall prevention strategies.
What's inside
This course includes
How-to instructional videos
Interactive learning activities
Knowledge checks throughout
Audio narration
Closed captions (accessibility)
Certificate of completion
Scenario-based videos
Downloadable checklists
Mobile-friendly access
Progress saving (resume anytime)
