Geriatrics is a rapidly growing specialty in physical therapy. APTA Geriatrics, An Academy of the American Physical Therapy Association, supports those therapists, assistants, and students who work with an ageing population in roles of advocacy, direct patient care, consultation, supervision, and education. The Academy was formed in 1978 to address the needs of the physical therapy practitioner working with the ageing client. Today, it represents and serves over 5,500 physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and other health care providers interested in the area of geriatric physical therapy.