Take the AFIT to Be Fit

A Process for Optimal Aging

^{By Holly Kennedy, PT, CAPS, ECHM}

What Should I Work on to Optimize Aging?

It isn’t news that the solution to many chronic diseases and functional problems is exercise. But what is the right exercise for you? It makes sense that how our bodies perform can predict the likelihood of a fall or future disability. But did you know that tight ankles can lead to falls or that your ability to get up out of a chair is an indicator of fall risk? Do you know how you would score against your peers in the areas of strength, balance or flexibility? More importantly, how would you score against normative data that can be used to predict optimal aging? Is your current exercise program leaving you with hidden deficits or imbalances that are setting you up for future injury? Are you getting back into exercise after a year in COVID isolation and feeling unsure about where to start? Let’s explore a non-invasive, pain free screen that can be used to answer all of these important questions.

AFIT has the Answers

The Adult Functional Independence Test (AFIT) is a functional assessment for people over age 50 that evaluates 15 performance-based tests administered by an AFIT certified Physical Therapist or Occupational Therapist. These tests provide valid and reliable measures of the 5 key aspects of fitness: posture, strength, balance, endurance, and flexibility.

The Adult Functional Independence Test (AFIT) is a quick yet comprehensive assessment from head to toe. The AFIT is a one hour, one on one evaluation that utilizes research based functional tests. All 15 of the tests use predictive analytics or national norms to calculate an individual’s risk of disability, falls, fractures, and mortality. Upon completion of the assessment, the results and comparisons to norms are discussed. Additionally, evidence-based exercises are given to address the deficits found. So, in this hour,

1. you perform the functional assessment,
2. learn where your strengths and deficits are,
3. and are given corrective exercises to address them.

Knowing exactly where you need to focus your exercise efforts and why adds both motivation and effectiveness into our goals for staying fit and independent. That’s an hour well spent!

AFIT: The Future of Optimal Aging

“This should be part of my annual physical. I have learned so much about where I am and what I need to work on.”

According to Carole Lewis, the physical therapist who developed the test, “This is the future. I don’t have a single patient who would prefer getting rehab after a hip fracture to avoiding the hip fracture in the first place.”  Since healthy living is a moving target, it is important to be reassessed periodically to modify exercises or to address any new issues found. At a minimum, an annual assessment is important for getting a baseline and establishing an exercise plan that is specific to your needs. In the world of exercise, fitness and optimal aging, “one size” does not fit all. At a recent series of AFIT screens, my client said “This should be part of my annual physical. I have learned so much about where I am and what I need to work on.” Take charge now so that you will always be able to what you want to do and feel great doing it. Take the AFIT to be fit!

How to Get AFIT

In the Charlotte, NC area, we administer the Adult Functional Independence Tests with pricing ranging $75-$125 based on number and location of tests performed. Tests can be performed safely given the current COVID guidelines, utilizing masks and social distancing as appropriate. In the Charlotte area, if you would like to arrange for AFIT testing to come to your exercise facility, senior living community, church or physician office please email  Holly@InPlaceWithGrace.org