Todays fitness leader not only needs training in leading a comprehensive exercise program but also needs an understanding of the limitations and special needs of those with illness, disability, chronic disorders, or a sedentary lifestyle. Exercise for Frail Elders assists you in designing an exercise program as part of either a general recreation, wellness, restorative, or rehabilitation program. It is a practical reference for those instructors working with seniors, the frail elderly, and other special adult populations.

This training guide will give program directors, administrators, and fitness leaders the tools they need to help frail elders and adults with special needs maintain or improve their level of functional fitness. Most older adults have special needs, and this guide will equip leaders to teach exercise to all older adults. Exercise for Frail Elders offers assistance with the inherent challenges in when working with older adults. At the same time, the text shows leaders how to promote a sense of fun and social connectedness in an exercise program.

In the text, exercise programs begin with seated exercises and progress through standing exercises. They are presented in a linear progression that mirrors the setup of a comprehensive exercise class:

• Warm-up exercises for enhancing range of motion, stretching, posture, and breathing exercises
• Aerobic training exercises for increasing cardiovascular endurance
• Resistance training exercises for increasing muscular strength and endurance
• Cool-down exercises for promoting flexibility and relaxation

The authors have gone to great lengths to ensure that individual exercises are clear and accurately illustrated. Each exercise has photos, safety tips, and reminders as well as variation and progression options that will enable you to be creative and flexible with your fitness program and tailor your program to meet participants needs.

Exercise for Frail Elders is divided into two parts. Part I describes how to plan a successful program; assess individual needs; ensure safety; and develop leadership skills for presenting, motivating, and creating a sense of belonging in your classes. Part II shows how to implement exercise programs tailored to frail elders and those with special needs. The last chapter of part II presents strategies for putting together an exercise program to accommodate the participants, which includes developing the program as participants skills improve.

What makes Exercise for Frail Elders unique is the thorough presentation and explanations that show how to design, present, and adapt an exercise program to meet the needs of older adults. The information is presented in a user-friendly format and includes reference charts, forms, checklists, and exercise recommendations for a comprehensive list of diseases and disorders. This book is a valuable resource not only for directors and administrators of physical activity programs but also for fitness leaders working with older adults.

Contents

Part I. Planning a Successful Exercise Program
Chapter 1. The Participants: Know Their Individual Needs

Defining Frail Elders and Special Needs

Common Medical Disorders in the Elderly

Summary
Chapter 2. The Exercise Program: Make It Motivating, Safe, and Effective

Make It Motivating

Make It Safe

Make It Effective

Summary
Chapter 3. The Leader: Steps to Success

Creating a Sense of Fun and Community

How to Set Up a Group Exercise Class

Helpful Tips for Opening Your Exercise Class

Successful Strategies for Leading Your Exercise Class

Helpful Tips for Closing Your Exercise Class

Summary

Part II. Implementing an Exercise Program
Chapter 4. Warm-Up First: Range-of-Motion, Stretching, Posture, and Breathing Exercises

Guidelines for Warm-Up Exercises

Safety Precautions for Warm-Up Exercises

Basic Seated Warm-Up Exercises

Basic Standing Warm-Up Exercises

Variations and Progression
Chapter 5. Aerobic Training for Cardiovascular Endurance (by Janie Clark, MA)

Basic Seated Aerobic Exercises

Basic Standing Aerobic Exercises

Variations and Progression

Illustrated Aerobic Exercises
Chapter 6. Resistance Training for Muscular Strength and Endurance

Myths About Resistance Training

Basic Seated Resistance Exercises

Basic Standing Resistance and Balance Exercises

Variations and Progression

Illustrated Resistance Exercises
Chapter 7. Cool-Down: Stretching and Relaxation Exercises

Guidelines for Cool-Down Exercises

Safety Precautions for Cool-Down Exercises

Basic Seated Cool-Down Exercises

Basic Standing Stretching Exercises

Variations and Progression

Illustrated Stretching Exercises
Chapter 8. Putting Your Exercise Program Together

Designing Your Exercise Program

Scheduling Your Exercise Classes

Modifying the Exercises

Progressing Your Exercise Class

Maintaining Fitness Results

Monitoring Attendance and Progress

Appendices

Appendix A. Physiological Benefits of Physical Activity for Older Persons

Appendix B. Psychological Benefits of Physical Activity for Older Persons

Appendix C.Statement of Medical Clearance for Exercise

Appendix D. Cover Letter to Physician

Appendix E. Medical History and Risk Factor Questionnaire

Appendix F. Exercise Program Informed Consent

Appendix G. Par-Q and You: Fitness Questionnaire

Appendix H. Fitness Goal Map

Appendix I. Exercise Equipment Chart

Appendix J. Muscles of the Human Body

Appendix K. Resistance Training Log

Glossary

References

Suggested Resources

Index

Audiences

A reference for professionals working with frail elders and adults with special needs in specialized or residential settings and health agencies providing personal assistance, nursing, and functional skill training to elders in their homes.

Elizabeth (Betsy) Best-Martini, MS, is a certified recreation therapist specializing in the field of gerontology and long-term care. She received her master's degree in recreation therapy and is a consultant to various retirement communities, skilled nursing settings, subacute settings, and residential and assisted care facilities in northern California. In addition to running her consulting firm, she lectures and provides training across the United States and in Canada.

Betsy is also an instructor at College of Marin and Santa Rosa Junior College, where she trains people to work with elderly clients as activity coordinators. In addition, she teaches two living history classes for older adults and a strength training class for frail elderly clients. Betsy is a certified long-term care fitness instructor through the American Senior Fitness Association and a qualified strength trainer through the YMCA.

Betsy writes a column titled “Let's Get Moving” in Creative Forecasting, a national newsletter for activity professionals and recreation therapists. This column focuses on fitness programs for older adults. She has been recognized with the 1998 Distinguished Merit Award from NCCAC (Northern California Council of Activity Coordinators) and the Pete Croughan Award for her volunteer efforts with a nonprofit organization called LITA (Love Is The Answer).

In her leisure time, Betsy can be found gardening, hiking, exercising, and spending time with her husband and family.

Kim A. Botenhagen-Di Genova, MA, received her master's degree in physical education and the Distinguished Achievement in a Major Field Award from San Francisco State University. She is certified by the American College of Sports Medicine as a health and fitness instructor; by the American Senior Fitness Association as a long-term care fitness leader, senior fitness leader, and senior personal trainer; and by the YMCA as a strength training instructor trainer. She is also a certified emergency medical technician and nutrition assistant.

Kim was the first exercise physiologist at the Davies Medical Center Health Check Department in San Francisco, where she worked for seven years. She now teaches Strength and Fitness Training for Older Adults and Senior Strength and Fitness Training Instructor Certification Course at the College of Marin. She is the vice president of the Marin Association for Senior Strength Trainers and a consultant and workshop leader on fitness for older adults.

Kim lives in Novato, California. Her passions are swimming in San Francisco Bay and hiking. She has swum from the Golden Gate Bridge to the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge and has successfully escaped from Alcatraz many times.

Author: Best-Martini, Elizabeth

Publication Date: 03-03-2003