I am certified with CanFitPro (http://www.canfitpro.com). I have a TON of respect for the people at CanFitPro; they continue to impress with their commitment to excellence. Since this is my first blog, this month I will cite them as my first source of information. From their Certification Manual, published in June 2003, I quote:
The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that older adults fall along a Health-Fitness Gradient. Older adults fall somewhere on this continuum based on their abilities. The Health-Fitness Gradient places older adults into three categories:
- Physically Fit – Regularly engage in physical activity, are described as physically fit and healthy and have few limits in performing activities of daily living*.
- Physically Unfit – Do not engage in adequate physical activity. Still live independently in the community, but are at high risk for developing chronic conditions that threaten their independence.
- Frail – No longer able to function independently in society due to physical or psychological reduction in abilities.
* Basic acivities of daily living (or ADL’s) may include dressing, eating, being able to use the toilet, and basic hygeine. More advanced ADL’s may include going to the mall, dancing, gardening, and driving a car.
“The role of the Older Adult Fitness Specialist (OAS) program is to help the fitness professional design safe and effective exercise programs in a group or individualized setting.”
SCOPE: “Based on the categories outlined by the WHO, the focus of the OAS certification is to provide physical activity programs for individuals in the Physically Fit / Physically Unfit categories. The scope of the OAS certification does not adequately cover the design or development of programs for dependent or frail older adults.”
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