{"id":6611,"date":"2017-04-25T11:19:32","date_gmt":"2017-04-25T11:19:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fitproblog.mysites.io\/ageing-functionally\/"},"modified":"2017-04-25T11:19:32","modified_gmt":"2017-04-25T11:19:32","slug":"ageing-functionally","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fitpro.com\/blog\/ageing-functionally\/","title":{"rendered":"Ageing functionally"},"content":{"rendered":"

When it comes to mature clients, we should focus on their functional movement capabilities and not just their age, as Aislinn Kelly<\/strong> finds out.<\/p>\n

Julia Willmott, whose small Pilates classes incorporate clients from the age of 40 to 70, believes instructors and PTs should look beyond the age of their clients. She says, \u201cFind out their health and fitness background, motivation and what they need from you and they\u2019ll stay with you forever.<\/em><\/p>\n

Make them feel valued and remember that every individual is different. This investment will ensure your older participant gets the most out of your sessions and, in return, they\u2019ll be your most loyal client.\u201d Cody Sipe, co-founder of the Functional Aging Institute (which will present functional ageing workshops in the UK this June and July in collaboration with FitPro), also sees biological age as a poor indicator of a person\u2019s physical ability as \u201cyou\u2019ll get the competing 80 year old who can kick the butt of the 50 year old who can barely walk\u201d. Sipe\u2019s message is to cut out your \u201865+ class\u2019 and \u2018seniors class\u2019 and, instead, to group clients according to their functional level.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The Hierarchy of Physical Function<\/h3>\n

At the Functional Aging Institute (functionalaginginstitute.com<\/a>), Sipe works off the Hierarchy of Physical Function model, which starts with the most physically and functionally capable elite older athlete, followed by the fit, then the independent, then the frail and, finally, the dependent. Sipe explains, \u201cThe dependent group needs more intensive medical care and rehabilitation, so most of the people you\u2019ll see are in the independent category.\u201d According to Sipe, the issue with classification comes when you mix clients who are at the lower end of independent and starting to become frail with those who are fitter, because the frailer person needs more attention. If you\u2019re unable to monitor the frailer clients closely, injury is possible. Or they may decide they can\u2019t keep up and simply stop attending. \u201cI suggest,\u201d advises Sipe, \u201cthat you create classes with these functional capabilities in mind but be careful how you label them. The name doesn\u2019t need to indicate this class is for frail people, for instance, as the description of the intensity and the class purpose will indicate who it\u2019s for.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

The boomers \u2013 the oldest of whom are turning 70 this year \u2013 don\u2019t necessarily consider themselves as \u2018ageing\u2019. Sipe finds they view themselves as much younger than their biological age, so a 70 year old would most likely reject a 70+ class as \u2018too old\u2019 for them. Willmott sums it up: \u201cWith older clientele, it\u2019s not just about how old they are. It\u2019s also about how functionally fit they are!\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Programming for the frailer classes<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Those who are less independent \u2013 or on the frail side \u2013 still need to give some effort to progress. But, relatively, the intensity will be lower and the mix of what you include will be different. Although clients may think \u2018fall prevention\u2019 is for \u2018old people\u2019 (perhaps think about the language you use), the frail independent group has a greater need for static and dynamic balance training.<\/em><\/p>\n

With clients rehabilitating after a fall, Willmott liaises with their physio or consultant to provide a one-to-one programme. This helps the client recover and gives them confidence to return to movement and exercise. \u201cSome clients have suffered from shoulder dislocations, having put their hand out when falling, and it\u2019s noticeable that those who stick at a personalised programme develop a good range of movement and strengthen the muscles around the joint, increasing functional ability and helping to prevent further issues. Pilates also helps them to become steadier on their feet as their proprioception (the ability to know where their limbs are without having to look) helps with balance. Building up strength in the stabilising muscles is also valuable to help people right themselves when they slip.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Being mindful of arthritis<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Arthritis is one of the most common conditions in the older population. Sipe says, \u201cI find there are two ways people with arthritis respond. For some, it\u2019s worse with depth so, with a squat or a lunge, the more range of motion they have in their knees, the more it hurts. With others, it\u2019s more load sensitive.\u201d Instructors should have one-to-one conversations with each client before they attend a class to ascertain who has arthritis in their knees, hips or spine. You should then offer personalised suggestions of how to adapt certain movements and explain why. Taking time to know who is coming to class helps you create a safe, effective programme and helps clients to feel comfortable.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

To modify or not to modify?<\/h4>\n

Sipe is reluctant to use the word \u2018modification\u2019, as it implies the client can\u2019t do a movement the right way, so you are making it easier for them. Instead, he believes in looking at the client\u2019s functional ability to determine what they should be doing in class. \u201cIf a client can\u2019t jump over a box, the modification might simply be standing up straight. If you\u2019re at the point where just standing up is what\u2019s appropriate, then it\u2019s not a modification. It\u2019s purposefully what you need to do. It\u2019s a matter of scaling it up or down, depending on the individual\u2019s capabilities.\u201d There are lots of variables you can use to scale up or down: the load, speed, distance, depth and complexity. Sipe adds, \u201cThis is why it\u2019s so important not to have individuals who are really disparate in functional ability in the same class because it becomes hard to juggle. In some clubs, they haven\u2019t worked out how to segregate the groups \u2013 or they have an equipment-centred class and anyone can show up \u2013 so the ability levels are widely different. Whenever possible, grouping according to ability makes your job easier. Instead of lots of big adjustments, you\u2019re just making little tweaks.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Shifting values<\/h4>\n

As clients age, their goals may shift; most are exercising to stay mobile, rather than for aesthetic reasons. Willmott includes a lot of functional work \u2013 reaching, pulling, lifting, etc. \u2013 with these clients. \u201cThey love it when they can touch their toes again, turn their head fully in the car or reach a high shelf. It\u2019s the mature client\u2019s goal to be self-sufficient \u2013 they don\u2019t want to rely on anyone else.\u201d While motivations may change, it\u2019s important not to employ age stereotypes. \u201cOlder adults who are capable are very bothered when you assume they\u2019re incapable,\u201d says Sipe. \u201cAt the same time, you don\u2019t want to say that, just because someone is 80, they can\u2019t do anything they want to do. There has to be some discretion \u2013 especially if they have medical conditions.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Functional Ageing specialist workshop<\/strong><\/h4>\n

The workshop will benefit certified small group and one-to-one personal trainers; group exercise instructors; physical therapists; physical therapy assistants; boot camp leaders.<\/p>\n

Course content<\/strong><\/p>\n