March 28, 2024

St. Francis Manor, Grinnell College announce senior fitness testing Nov. 10

GRINNELL — St. Francis Manor’s Fitness Specialist Kristin Kahn, Grinnell College’s senior lecturer in Biology Elizabeth Queathem and the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee are collaborating to bring the Senior Fitness Test to Grinnell from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Bear Recreation and Athletic Center, 1201 10th Ave. on the Grinnell College campus.

The event is free of charge and open to all adults ages 60 to 94. No registration is necessary but to reduce wait times, it is recommended that individuals ages 60 to 75 arrive between 3 and 4 p.m. and ages 76 to 94 arrive between 4 and 5 p.m.

The emphasis on senior fitness is growing each year as we continue to learn more about the benefits of exercise at all ages. By staying active, many preventative measures can be taken to delay and reduce the signs of aging. Grinnell College and St. Francis Manor/Seeland Park are encouraging older adults within the community to stay active as they age.

The Senior Fitness Test was developed as part of the LifeSpan Wellness Program at Fullerton University by Dr. Roberta Rikli and Dr. Jessie Jones. Fitness is very important for those in their senior years. Older adults need to have adequate strength, flexibility, and endurance to accomplish everyday tasks. Assessing these components of fitness can detect weaknesses which can be treated before causing serious functional limitations.

“The opportunity to participate in this test is an excellent way for the senior population of Central Iowa to learn more about their personal fitness levels,” Kahn said.

The SFT offers the most comprehensive and reliable test battery for assessing physical fitness in adults ages 60 and older. The series of tests completed in the SFT assess the physical attributes that older adults need in order to perform daily living activities. It consists of seven tests that each participant will be guided through by Grinnell College SAAC members. The tests include: lower- and upper-body strength, aerobic endurance, lower- and upper-body flexibility, agility, and balance.

The SFT also provides expanded information on ways to modify test protocols for older adults with limiting health 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.

Following the SFT assessment, participants will receive a Health Report Card showing their individual results on each test and providing healthy lifestyle information.

Questions regarding this event may be directed to Kahn at kristinleigh03@live.com.