St. Francis Manor & Seeland Park: Senior Fitness Testing
Free senior fitness testing for adults aged 60 and older will be offered at scheduled times weekdays between March 25th and April 29th in the Aerobics Room in the new Hammond Center, east of St. Francis Manor on 4th Avenue and Orchard Drive.
Although physical fitness has traditionally been associated with the young through the middle-aged, it is most critical for those in their senior years. Maintaining strength, endurance, flexibility, agility, and balance is critical to seniors whether their later-life interests are playing golf, running marathons, or simply performing daily tasks such as climbing stairs or getting out of a chair without assistance. “This test is an excellent way for the senior population of Central Iowa to learn more about their personal fitness levels as well as obtain healthy lifestyle information,” says Fitness Director Kayla Faas. “By staying active, many preventative measures can be taken to delay and reduce the signs of aging.”
The Functional Fitness Test for seniors was developed by two professors at California State University and offers the most comprehensive and reliable test battery for assessing physical fitness in adults aged 60 to 94. The seven tests take approximately 30 minutes to complete and assess lower- and upper-body strength, aerobic endurance, lower- and upper-body flexibility, agility, and balance.
Individuals with limiting health conditions are also encouraged to take the Functional Fitness Test as appropriate modifications can be made for conditions such as osteoporosis, obesity, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, stroke, fibromyalgia, heart conditions, multiple sclerosis, hip and knee replacements, chronic renal failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, osteoarthritis, and blindness or low vision.
Participants will receive a Health Report Card showing their individual results on each test as well as information and exercises to help them maintain or improve their functional fitness.
Questions regarding this event, or to schedule your time, please contact Kayla Faas at 641-269-5424 or kfaas@stfrancismanor.com.
