Geriatric Fitness — all lessons
Module 1: Foundations
Introduction to geriatric fitness and the specialist’s rolePhysiology of ageing: sarcopenia, dynapenia, osteopeniaAge-related conditions, multimorbidity and frailtyModule 2: Assessment & Screening
Health screening, risk stratification and medicationsFunctional fitness assessment: SFT, SPPB, TUG, gait speed, gripModule 3: Programming
Principles of programming: FITT-VP, progression, periodisationResistance and power training for sarcopeniaCardiovascular and aerobic conditioningBalance, mobility and fall preventionFlexibility, functional mobility and ADL trainingModule 4: Chronic Conditions
Cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions (HTN, CAD, HF, COPD)Metabolic conditions in older adultsMusculoskeletal: osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, joint replacementNeurological and cognitive: Parkinson’s, stroke, MS, dementiaModule 5: Coaching, Safety & Business
Nutrition, hydration and recovery for older adultsBehavioural coaching, communication and adherenceSafety, emergencies and scope of practiceBusiness, settings and career pathwaysCase studies and sample programme templatesBusiness, settings and career pathways
Building a career in geriatric fitness — settings, partnerships, pricing models, marketing ethically to older adults, and professional development.
Learning objectives
- Describe settings for geriatric fitness work
- Develop referral partnerships
- Choose service and pricing models
- Plan professional development
Before this lesson
Why this matters
Demand for specialists who can safely train older adults is growing rapidly.
Settings
Gyms, community and religious centres, residential and retirement communities, clinics, home visits, online classes.
Partnerships
Doctors, physiotherapists, cardiac and pulmonary rehab teams, community organisations.
Service models
| Model | Notes |
|---|---|
| 1:1 | Highest individualisation, highest price |
| Small group (2–6) | Social, affordable |
| Classes | Community reach |
| Home visits | Access for less mobile clients |
| Online | Convenience; ensure safety |
Ethics and professionalism
Clear pricing, honest claims, consent, insurance and evidence-based practice [chodzko2009] [izquierdo2021].
Common mistakes and misconceptions
Case study
A trainer partners with two local physiotherapy clinics and a retirement community, running small-group strength classes. Within a year she has a waiting list.
Further learning: video lessons
Video links are only marked “verified” after a human has watched them. Unverified entries open a YouTube search for that channel and topic rather than a guessed link.
Business, settings and career pathways
geriatric exercise specialists and physiotherapists (search)
You will understand: business, settings and career pathways
Why: Clinician-led content; verify the specific video.
Exercise for healthy ageing
geriatric medicine educators (search)
You will understand: why exercise matters in later life
Why: Clinical overview.
Knowledge check
Knowledge check · 0/5
1. A common setting for geriatric fitness is…
2. Referral partnerships are often built with…
3. A popular service model is…
4. Ethical marketing to older adults avoids…
5. Professional development should include…
Short-answer & application questions
- Write a business plan outline.
- Draft a referral letter to a GP.
- Plan your CPD for the next year.
Key takeaways
- Settings include gyms, community centres, retirement communities, clinics and home visits.
- Partnerships with doctors and physiotherapists generate referrals.
- Small-group and home-based models are popular with older clients.
- Ongoing education and appropriate insurance are essential.
Connected topics
Legal guidelines and business considerations
geriatric fitnessBehavioural coaching, communication and adherence
References
- Chodzko-Zajko WJ, Proctor DN, Fiatarone Singh MA, et al. (2009). American College of Sports Medicine position stand: exercise and physical activity for older adults. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 41(7):1510–1530. Position stand check pending
- Izquierdo M, Merchant RA, Morley JE, et al. (2021). International exercise recommendations in older adults (ICFSR): expert consensus guidelines. Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging, 25(7):824–853. Guideline check pending
Educational content only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis or treatment.