Senior Fitness Test Battery: Assess Before You Plan
In pairs, students learn and administer to each other the tests from a senior fitness battery, practicing the role of evaluator. This prepares them to assess an older family member and introduces a possible career path in physical activity.
How to play
- Set up 4 stations with chairs: chair stand, arm curl, 8-foot up-and-go, and chair sit-and-reach. Pairs of evaluator and participant; groups of 6 per station (3 min).
- Chair stand: number of full stands in 30 seconds with arms crossed (5 min).
- Arm curl: reps in 30 seconds with a light dumbbell, seated with the upper arm close to the body (5 min).
- 8-foot up-and-go: from the chair, walk to a cone 8 ft (2.44 m) away, go around it, and sit back down as quickly as possible while walking (5 min).
- Chair sit-and-reach: seated at the edge with one leg straight, measure the distance between the fingertips and the toes with a tape (5 min).
- Each pair reviews on the worksheet how they would explain each test to an older adult and what safety steps they would take (5 min).
Rules
- Brace the chair against the wall so it doesn't slide.
- No running in the walking test.
- The evaluator explains, demonstrates, and allows one practice trial before measuring.
Variations
Easier
Practice only two tests and spend more time on explaining the protocol.
Standard
Four tests with evaluator and participant roles and a protocol worksheet.
Harder
Add the back scratch test and the 2-minute step test.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: serve as evaluator and complete the upper-body tests.
- Shy students: rehearse the explanation with a partner before addressing the group.
- Different fitness levels: results aren't compared; the focus is on running the protocol correctly.
Learning goals
- Learn a fitness assessment battery for older adults.
- Administer assessment protocols accurately and safely.
- Explore physical activity for older adults as a possible career.
Equipment for a class of 25
- chairs: 8
- dumbbells: 8
- cones: 4
- measuring tape: 2
- stopwatch: 4
- worksheets: 25
Teacher tip
Emphasize the evaluator role: speak slowly, demonstrate, and build confidence. Use 5 lb and 8 lb dumbbells, or filled water bottles if there aren't enough.
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