The main goal of rehabilitation is to enable people to function at the highest level possible despite physical impairments. Rehabilitation involves a wide range of interventions provided by a diverse group of providers across the continuum of care. Although rehabilitation can be provided to all age groups, the fastest growing group in need of rehabilitation services is adults over the age of 65. This is because the average age of the United States and the world's population is increasing . Advances in both medical and rehabilitative care have helped reduce the prevalence of disability among older adults, but they also introduce a significant demand for both medical and rehabilitative care .

Good use of rehabilitation resources is facilitated by an understanding of how disability occurs and the mechanisms by which rehabilitation is effective, especially in older people. This information leads to an understanding of what specific rehabilitation services can best be provided, where to provide them, and who should provide them. This topic will review interventional aspects of geriatric rehabilitation.