Let's Shape The Future Of Your Career!
From building core skills to becoming a recognised leader in healthy ageing
What You'll Gain
From This Course…
This course equips you with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to safely and effectively train adults aged 50 and over. You’ll learn to apply functional ageing principles backed by science, design adaptable programs, and deliver impactful sessions that improve quality of life, mobility, and independence.
- Apply evidence-based strategies to support ageing clients with diverse functional abilities
- Design safe, effective exercise programs that improve strength, mobility, and cognitive health
- Assess and monitor physical function using reliable tools and methods
- Implement the Functional Ageing Training Model (FATM) in group and individual settings
- Modify and progress exercises for clients with chronic conditions or fall risk
about the
Course Overview
This course is essential for anyone working with the ageing demographic, equipping you with critical skills to support a wide range of clients. Learn how to apply the latest science to safely and effectively train individuals or groups with functional diversity. Explore innovative strategies from the Functional Ageing Training™ model to develop safe, effective, and enjoyable programs for adults aged 55+, from frail to athletic.
You’ll also gain access to current research and benchmarks for safe testing and exercise prescription for this population.
This course is ideal for Personal Trainers, Group Fitness Instructors, Allied Health Support Workers, and Pilates or Yoga Teachers who work with older adults and want to feel confident designing safe, effective programs for clients with osteoporosis.
Duration 12 Hours
Certificate of Completion
What's Inside the Course
This self-paced, evidence-informed course is structured into five focused modules designed to give you everything you need to train clients with osteoporosis safely and effectively. From understanding the condition and contraindications to designing adaptable programs and applying real-world case studies.
Module 1: Population Ageing Around the World
Explore global ageing trends and the shifting demographics of the 50+ population. This module breaks down common myths, highlights age diversity, and introduces the concept of ageism and its impact on health and society.
Module 2: Applied Physiology of Ageing
Gain insight into how ageing affects the body and mind. Learn about genetic influences, primary and secondary ageing, and age-related changes across key systems—neuromuscular, cardiovascular, sensory, cognitive, and more.
Module 3: Principles of Healthy Ageing and Longevity
Discover the science behind healthy ageing through the lens of Blue Zones, the 7 Dimensions of Wellness, and evidence-based nutrition principles that support long-term health and disease prevention.
Module 4: Functional Ageing and Exercise
Understand how ageing affects physical function and movement capacity. This module introduces key models like the Nagi Model and the Hierarchy of Physical Function, helping you recognise and address the varied functional levels of older adults.
Module 5: Health and Functional Fitness Assessment
Learn how to screen and assess ageing clients safely and effectively. This module covers assessment selection, testing protocols, and interpreting results to guide targeted, functional programming.
Module 6: Functional Ageing Training Methodology
Dive into the Functional Ageing Training Model (FATM) and its pillars. Discover how to design programs based on movement principles that improve function, independence, and quality of life for older adults.
Module 7A: FATM Exercise Strategies (Part I)
Explore evidence-based strategies to improve cardiovascular health, strength, power, and functional movement. Learn how to apply the 7 movement patterns, plus tools like barefoot training, core work, and flexibility to enhance real-life performance.
Module 7B: FATM Exercise Strategies (Part II)
Focus on balance, mobility, and cognitive training to support independence and fall prevention. This module provides practical strategies for programming that integrates both physical and brain health.
Module 8: Exercise Progression and Adaptation
Learn how to safely progress or regress exercises based on client ability. Explore methods like the 90% rule, and manipulate key variables—distance, speed, tempo, stance, and movement—to personalise programs effectively.
Module 9: The Exercise Session
Learn how to structure effective training sessions using movement preparation techniques that build toward safe, functional outcomes. This module focuses on strategies to prime the body for activity.
Module 10: Functional Ageing Program Design
Explore how to build tailored programs using key variables like frequency, volume, and intensity. Learn to create adaptable plans that meet the needs of diverse ageing clients.
Module 11: Individual and Small Group Training Strategies
Develop effective coaching techniques for one-on-one and small group settings. This module covers cueing, communication, and instructional methods to optimise learning and engagement.
Module 12: Safety & Monitoring
Understand how to monitor clients during sessions and respond to warning signs. Learn practical strategies for fall prevention, safe environments, and integrating assessments into ongoing care.
Module 13: Exercise for Chronic Conditions
Gain guidance on exercise recommendations for common chronic diseases. This module helps you safely support clients with health conditions through evidence-informed fitness approaches.
Bonus Tools & Resources Included
- Exercise Do’s & Don’ts Quick Guide
- 4-Week Sample Training Program
- Client Intake & Screening Template
- Program Planning Worksheet
- Certificate of Completion
about the
course author
Dr. Dan Ritchie holds a PhD in Kinesiology with a minor in Gerontology and has over two decades of experience working with the 50+ population. He is the co-founder of the Functional Aging Institute and owner of Miracles Fitness in West Lafayette, Indiana, where his team has trained more than 2,000 older adults. Dan combines academic expertise with hands-on experience to help clients improve strength, mobility, and longevity.
Named the 2014 PFP Trainer of the Year, Dan is a sought-after speaker and educator, regularly presenting at national and international conferences. His work focuses on balance training, functional fitness, and the global impact of an ageing population. He’s been featured in podcasts, webinars, and online summits, and is widely recognized as a leader in the field of functional ageing.