Exercise and Nutrition for the Aged (5 cr)

Objective

You are able to act as an expert in physical activity and nutrition for the elderly.
You recognize the documents guiding physical activity services for the elderly and can apply researched information in the development of physical activity services for the elderly.
You master the knowledge base and effects of strength and balance training for the elderly on their functional capacity and can apply this knowledge in practice.
You can choose and use appropriate methods for measuring muscle strength and balance for elderly individuals with reduced functional capacity and can develop suitable training programs based on the measurements.
You can use resource-oriented working methods in guiding physical activity for the elderly.
You can guide the nutrition of elderly clients, taking into account special issues related to aging and the individual needs of the client.

Content

Promotion of health and well-being of the elderly population
Changes in health and functional capacity with aging
Exercise training and health-related fitness testing for the elderly
Nutrition guidance for the elderly Individual guidance for the elderly

Opportunity to complete the Age Institute's VoiTas Coach certification.

Materials

Ikäinstituutin Voitas -valmentaja materiaali
Opettajien materiaalit Moodlessa

Evaluation scale

0 - 5

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The students are able to assess and develop ways of promoting exercise amongst the aging population. They are able to work as specialists in exercise for the elderly using an extensive knowledge base. They are able to work independently and assess their own work. The students can organise group work.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

The students are able to use customer-oriented counselling methods when working with the elderly. They can instruct exercise sessions for the elderly and give them nutritional advice based on their theoretical knowledge.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

The students are able to explain the significance of exercise to the health and well-being of the elderly. They can describe changes in health and physical capability that happen during the aging process. The students are able to describe the principles of exercise and nutritional instruction for the elderly. They are able to conduct fitness testing for the elderly safely and to a high standard.

Prerequisites

Basics of physical activity, anatomy and physiology, exercise physiology, nutrition, and gym training

Further information

As RDI studies, 2-3 ECTS are completed.