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 templatesCase studies and sample programme templates
Applied geriatric fitness case studies — robust, pre-frail and frail clients, and clients with chronic conditions — with sample programme templates.
Learning objectives
- Apply assessment and programming to real-world cases
- Use templates for different functional levels
- Adapt programmes for chronic conditions
- Track progress with functional tests
Before this lesson
Why this matters
These fictional cases bring the module together.
Case 1 — Robust (72, active)
SPPB 12, goal: hiking. 3×/week strength (squat, deadlift, press, row), power work, intervals and hill walks [fragala2019].
Case 2 — Pre-frail (79)
SPPB 8, gait 0.85 m/s. 2×/week machines and sit-to-stands, balance 3×/week [sherrington2019], daily walks.
Case 3 — Frail (86, walker)
SPPB 4 [guralnik1994]. Supported sit-to-stands, seated strength, standing balance with support, short walks; progress weekly.
Case 4 — Multimorbidity (70: diabetes, HTN, knee OA)
Cycling, strength, BP and glucose monitoring.
Template (pre-frail, 2×/week)
| Block | Exercises |
|---|---|
| Warm-up | Marching, arm circles, sit-to-stand × 5 |
| Strength | Sit-to-stand, leg press, seated row, chest press, step-ups |
| Power | Fast sit-to-stands |
| Balance | Tandem stance, stepping drills |
| Cool-down | Stretches |
Multicomponent approach per ICFSR [izquierdo2021].
Common mistakes and misconceptions
Case study
A specialist reassesses Case 2 after 16 weeks: SPPB 10, gait 1.0 m/s, and the client has returned to independent shopping trips.
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.
Case studies and sample programme templates
geriatric exercise specialists and physiotherapists (search)
You will understand: case studies and sample programme templates
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 robust older adult programme may include…
2. A frail older adult programme starts with…
3. Progress is best tracked with…
4. Templates should be…
5. For a client with heart failure, you should…
Short-answer & application questions
- Write a programme for each case.
- Create your own case.
- Plan reassessment schedules.
Key takeaways
- Programmes depend on functional level, conditions and goals.
- Templates speed planning but must be individualised.
- Use functional tests to track progress.
- Coordinate with healthcare professionals.
Connected topics
Resistance and power training for sarcopenia
geriatric fitnessBalance, mobility and fall prevention
geriatric fitnessCardiovascular and pulmonary conditions (HTN, CAD, HF, COPD)
References
- 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
- Fragala MS, Cadore EL, Dorgo S, et al. (2019). Resistance training for older adults: position statement from the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 33(8):2019–2052. Position stand check pending
- Sherrington C, Fairhall NJ, Wallbank GK, et al. (2019). Exercise for preventing falls in older people living in the community. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, CD012424. Systematic review check pending
- Guralnik JM, Simonsick EM, Ferrucci L, et al. (1994). A short physical performance battery assessing lower extremity function. Journal of Gerontology, 49(2):M85–M94. Classic study check pending
Educational content only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis or treatment.