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By the year 2021, one in five Canadians will be
65 years or older. Studies have proven that aquafitness
can contribute significantly towards healthy aging.
Consider how resistance, buoyancy, hydrostatic pressure,
thermal conductivity and turbulence make the water an
ideal environment for older adult conditioning. Discuss
the relationship between the physiology of aging and
aquatic exercise design. Design programs to enhance
daily functioning of the mind, body and spirit. Include
physical exercises to improve body core stability,
strength, cardio-respiratory fitness, posture and
flexibility. Also, include exercises to engage the mind
and develop self-confidence through movement.
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This Specialty Course prepares you to lead safe,
effective and enjoyable aquafitness classes for Older Adult
participants. Be
an active part in improving the health and well-being of the older
adult population.
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- Discuss
the affects of adult learning and gerontology
principles on aquafitness class design and delivery
- Review
the physiological changes (cardiovascular,
respiratory, musculoskeletal, central nervous
system, eyes and ears) associated with aging
- Relate
the significance of physiological changes to daily
functioning and review the implications for exercise design
- Outline
the benefits of aquatic exercise
- Experience
the modifications to exercise design to meet the
diverse needs of the older adult population
- Adopt
pre screening procedures and consider facility
challenges and solutions when designing classes and
offering programs
- Employ
communication techniques to satisfy the
intellectual, physical and emotional needs of older
adults
- Discuss
the psychological and psychosocial affects of aging
and how they impact aquafitness class design and
delivery
- Analyze
exercise myths associated with the older adult
population
- Analyze
the functional myths and understand how to improve
active daily living (ADL) through aquafitness
- Develop
a marketing and advertising strategy to 'make
the older adult aquafitness program float'
- Consider
the special needs of older adults when offering an aquafitness program
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Keen
interest in geriatrics and gerontology, specifically physical activity for
older adults
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Rehabilitation
and post-rehabilitation specialist
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Group
fitness instructor
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Personal
trainer
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Water-lover;
enjoys working with people
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Job
seeker; part time job or career change
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Retiree
who has the time and commitment to get fit and
possibly lead
others
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Older
adult fitness participant with a desire to learn
more to enhance personal exercise results
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Lifeguard
and/or swimming instructor
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Total
of eight hours of training
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One
full day of eight hours or two four hour sessions
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A combination of land and water
'activity-based' sessions are complimented with
applied theoretical sessions
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Some facilities choose to schedule the course
differently depending on availability of the pool
and classroom
You must be a current member
of CALA to participate in this educational opportunity.
Note: The following
are highly recommended, but not compulsory:
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Basic
fitness theory knowledge and leadership experience
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General
knowledge about anatomy and physiology
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CALA
certification status is not mandatory in order to
participate in this specialty course
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CALA
certification in aquafitness leadership is highly
recommended
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CPR and First Aid are highly recommended
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Willingness to learn through practice and study
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Eagerness
to achieve a high standard of leadership
Theory
Component
- Theory
Exam:
one
hour open
book exam written after the course or as a ‘take-home’
- Pass
mark
is 75%
Practical
Component
All Practical
Assessment must be booked with an approved CALA
Older Adult Assessor:
If
participant is not currently CALA certified:
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Lead a 30 minute mini-class plus receive 15–20 minutes of
personalized "one-on-one" feedback,
OR
Video submission (to CALA office) of a 30 minute mini-class. Once the video is observed, written feedback will
be provided
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Pass mark is 75%
If
participant is currently CALA certified:
Re-write
or Re-assessment
- Full fee must be paid for Practical
re-assessment or Theory exam re-write
Deadline
For Completion Of Certification
- The candidate has one year from the last date of their course to
complete the theoretical and practical aspects of
certification.
Continuing
Education Credits
CECs
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Earn
eight CALA
CECs and credits with other fitness organizations
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Credits from this course can be applied towards
re-certification in Aquafitness
only if the CALA Foundation Course has been completed and CALA
Certification status as an Aquafitness Leader has been achieved
Attending
other
CALA Specialty Courses, workshops and conferences and/or re-taking the
CALA Foundation Course and/or the Older Adults Specialty Course, will entitle you to earn Continuing Education
Credits (CECs). One hour of education (theory and/or practical) earns
one CALA CEC. For example: Attend a three hour Aqua Abdominals workshop, earn three CALA CECs.
To
maintain certification status as a Specialty leader in Older Adults, you must meet
the following criteria:
- Current
CALA member,
in good standing
- Gather
a minimum of eight CALA CEC's before re-certification date
- Pay
an annual re-certification fee. Refer to the fee
schedule (pdf format)
Maintaining
Certification Status: Made Easy!
Note:
At CALA, we make it easy to maintain certification status as a
Specialty leader in Aqua for Older Adults. Leaders can "bank" or accumulate CALA
CECs before attending the Course, or completing
certification. If more than eight credits are collected, CALA
will bump the extra credits into the next re-certification period.
Petitioning
for Credits
Note:
In the event that the necessary number of credits are not
collected before the certification expiry date, the candidate can
petition for credits. This means, CALA will review documentation
submitted by the candidate that proves attendance at educational
events that enhance fitness knowledge and leadership skills. There is
a petition fee applicable. Refer to the fee
schedule (pdf format)
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Attendees taking the course with the goal to lead classes will need the
following:
- Proper Aquafitness shoes
(The "RYKA 2 Aqua shoe" is available through CALA)
or good quality running shoes suitable for
the pool deck and dry land movement
- Shorts to wear over a swimsuit (not short shorts),
an aquafitness or an aerobic outfit (one
that can get wet) for 'on deck'
leadership practice
Attendees taking the course for general (personal) interest:
- Slip-on water shoes or
clean running shoes that can be used in
the water
All attendees taking
the course will need the following:
- A couple of swimsuits and
towels
- A water bottle
- Shoes and comfortable
clothing (tracksuit or athletic clothing)
suitable for dry land movement
- Writing materials to take notes
- A lock to secure
valuables
- Details about any medical
information that may be required in case
of a medical emergency
- Food for break times
Bring lots of energy and enthusiasm.
Get ready to have fun and learn a lot. Remember - just
like a parachute, your mind works better when it is
open.
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The CALA Manual used in this specialty course is available
for purchase
without attending the course.
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If you
purchase the manual prior to registering for the course,
CALA will deduct the cost of the manual from the course
fee.
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