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 templatesSafety, emergencies and scope of practice
Safety for geriatric fitness — environment, supervision, emergency action plans, recognising medical emergencies and staying within scope.
Learning objectives
- Set up safe environments for older adults
- Recognise medical emergencies
- Create and rehearse emergency action plans
- Stay within scope and refer appropriately
Before this lesson
Why this matters
Older adults have higher medical risk, so preparation prevents problems and saves lives.
Environment
Clear floors, stable chairs, rails, non-slip mats, good lighting, comfortable temperature, water available.
Emergencies
| Emergency | Signs | Response |
|---|---|---|
| Heart attack | Chest pain, breathlessness, sweating | Call emergency services; CPR/AED if needed |
| Stroke | FAST: face, arms, speech, time | Call emergency services immediately |
| Hypoglycaemia | Shaky, sweaty, confused | Fast carbohydrate, recheck |
| Fall | Injury, inability to rise | Do not lift; assess and call for help |
Emergency action plan
Roles, phone numbers, AED location, address, documentation; rehearse regularly.
Scope
Screening [riebe2015] and programming [chodzko2009] are within scope; diagnosis and medication are not.
Common mistakes and misconceptions
Case study
During a class, a participant’s speech becomes slurred. The instructor recognises FAST signs, calls emergency services immediately and notes the time; rapid treatment follows.
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.
Safety, emergencies and scope of practice
geriatric exercise specialists and physiotherapists (search)
You will understand: safety, emergencies and scope of practice
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. FAST stands for…
2. A key safety environment step is…
3. Trainers should hold…
4. If a client shows signs of hypoglycaemia, you should…
5. Changing a client’s medication is…
Short-answer & application questions
- Write an emergency action plan for your setting.
- Run a mock emergency drill.
- Audit a space for hazards.
Key takeaways
- Remove trip hazards, use stable chairs and supports, ensure good lighting and temperature.
- Know signs of heart attack, stroke (FAST), hypoglycaemia and dehydration.
- Have an emergency action plan, first-aid/CPR certification and AED access.
- Refer issues beyond scope — diagnosis, medication, worsening symptoms.
Connected topics
Role and scope of practice for personal trainers
geriatric fitnessBusiness, settings and career pathways
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
- Riebe D, Franklin BA, Thompson PD, et al. (2015). Updating ACSM's recommendations for exercise preparticipation health screening. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 47(11):2473–2479. doi:10.1249/MSS.0000000000000664 Position stand check pending
Educational content only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis or treatment.