The AFIT (Adult Functional Independence Test) for Optimal Aging

Course overview

Wouldn't it be great to have a performance-based functional assessment tool to be used with adults 50 years and older to evaluate the key aspects of functional fitness central to optimal aging: posture, flexibility, balance, endurance, and strength? This course presents & demonstrates such a tool - The AFIT (Adult Functional Independence Test) for Optimal Aging. All of the measures that comprise The AFIT are supported by research and include predictive analytics; many include national norms. It is our hope that The AFIT will be a mandatory component of annual physician visits. As one physician commented in our beta test, "I love this. Just like I order blood work, I can order the AFIT for each annual visit. This will provide me with vital information on my patient's functional status that I don't have time to get." Participants will learn the importance of these measures and observe how to correctly perform the assessment as well as explain the implications to their patients/clients. Evidence based exercises will be provided as suggested resources for the problems identified. The AFIT or parts of it can also be used as an initial, progress or discharge evaluation in most clinical settings. Course participants will observe 3 case studies, which include counseling patients with regard to the appropriate course of action. Information on marketing this tool to physicians, health agencies, and the community is provided and practical, how-to handouts are included that the course participants can download and use immediately.