Develop a national consensus document that recommends training standards for preparing physical activity instructors for working with older adults.

Establish a national coalition to review existing training standards.
Organize a meeting of the coalition at the 2003 ACSM national conference.
Develop a consensus document for wide distribution.
Provide suggestions for syllabi and curricula based on the consensus standards.

American College of Sports Medicine (Lead Organization)

Aerobics and Fitness Association of America, American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, American Council on Exercise, American Senior Fitness Association, American Society on Aging, IDEA Health & Fitness Association, International Council on Active Aging, International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association, National Council on the Aging, National Strength and Conditioning Association, and other organizations.

Secure funding for the coalition meeting and dissemination of consensus document.
Obtain technical assistance from the National Blueprint Office.

Input from a wide variety of organizations is essential.
Standards must address issues related to diversity and cultural preferences.
Standards must acknowledge the heterogeneity of the older adult population.

ACSM hosted a meeting of representatives from national organizations that offer training and/or certification for physical activity instructors who work with older adults. The goal of the meeting was to identify consensus content standards for physical activity leaders.

International Curriculum Guidelines for Preparing Physical Activity Instructors of Older Adults has been printed and widely distributed by Human Kinetics in summer 2004.

The American Association for Active Lifestyles and Fitness and the Council on Aging and Adult Development offer fitness professionals working with seniors a series of low-cost training workshops to support continuing education needs of those working with older adults. These workshops provide innovative and exciting interventions and solutions to encourage physical activity and fitness. National experts specializing in physical activity for older adults present workshops in various locations across the U.S.

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