Functional Standards for Optimal Aging Expert

The FSOAE course is based on the Adult Functional Independence Test (AFIT), which comprises 15 functional assessments used to measure the key components of optimal aging for middle age and older adults: posture, flexibility, balance, endurance, and strength.

    All AFIT measures are research-based and provide national norms or predictive analytics – the scores that indicate risk. Participants learn the evidence supporting each measure, how to correctly perform each assessment and how to explain the implications to their patients/ clients. Evidence based exercises will be provided as suggested resources for the problems identified.

    Course participants will participate in case studies, which include incorporating these principles into a plan of care, and 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. To earn their FSOAE certification, participants can choose to demonstrate their competence by means of a written exam and a practical exam.

    An article published in October 2016 in the American Heart Association journal Circulation set off a media frenzy because it proposed making cardiovascular fitness (CFR) the 6th vital sign. The evidence presented was compelling and recognizing physical fitness as a vital sign would be a huge step in the right direction. However, the definition of physical fitness needs to be expanded beyond cardiovascular health to include all aspects of fitness that affect optimal aging: posture, flexibility, gait and balance, endurance, and strength. This is where certified Functional Standards for Optimal Aging Experts (FSOAE) will be able to demonstrate a valuable role in wellness as well as rehabilitation.

    Physical and occupational therapists who embrace the concept that functional assessment and treatment is their domain and who wish to become experts in AFIT are encouraged to take this course and become certified (FSOAE).

    This course provides thorough training in executing the AFIT with a variety of clients. In addition, there is little point to assessing and prescribing perfect exercises plans if patient/client compliance is low. Therefore, course participants will learn techniques to motivate patients/clients to engage in exercise programs tailored to their individual needs. Course participants will also receive printable exercise prescription forms.

    All AFIT measures are research-based and most provide predictive analytics – the scores that indicate risk. Participants learn the evidence supporting each measure, how to correctly perform each assessment and how to explain the implications to their patients/ clients. Evidence based exercises will be provided as suggested resources for the problems identified. Course participants will observe 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.

Encouraged (Optional) Certification

For an additional $100 you can receive a certification for this course after the course done remotely. You will have a Multiple-choice open book test and a zoom with a FSOAE who will chose 2 of the AFIT items for you to demonstrate, interpret and prescribe.

The AFIT (Adult Functional Independence Test) for Optimal Aging, a 5-hour video course by Dr. Carole Lewis available at Great Seminars Online,is recommended but not required prior to taking the FSOAE course. Participants who successfully complete the FSOAE certification course will be able to use the designation FSOAE.

What Participants Are Saying . . .

“Kele is an amazing presenter.”
“Awesome… awesome… awesome… excited to get started.”
“This course was a great balance of lecture and practice.”
“Very enlightening content to immediately bring back to my patients.”
“Great course for any setting!”
“Dynamic speaker!”
“Very informative with useful tools and information.”

1. Demonstrate competence in the administration of the 15 assessments for middle to older aged adults that comprise the AFIT.

2. Determine where patients/clients are within the norms and cutoffs for these assessments.

3. Describe AFIT score implications with regard to optimal aging.

4. Provide instruction on the appropriate use of 14 exercises for the remediation of the problems found in the AFIT.

5. Identify and explain the evidence for using each exercise to address the specific deficit.

6. Develop a plan of care incorporating the AFIT principles to build skill in embedding fall prevention into daily practice.

7. Develop a marketing strategy to build awareness within the medical and general community regarding the need for performance-based, functional assessments for adults aged 50 and older.

8. Develop several motivational strategies to encourage older persons to participate in appropriate exercise.

EDUCATIONAL CREDIT: A certificate of attendance for 20 contact hours of educational activity (20 CEUs or 2.0 CEUs depending on how your Practice Act determines CEUs in your state) will be awarded to registrants upon completion of the seminar. Great Seminars and Books is an Approved CE Provider for PTs and PTAs in AR, OK, NY, IL, NC, CA, TX, NM, and KY and this course provides 20 contact hours of continuing education. This course is also approved for PTs and PTAs in MS, LA, ID, OH, MD, NJ, and OK for 20 contact Hours. This course is approved by the Florida Physical Therapy Association for 24 Contact hours for PTs and PTAs in Florida.  This course is also approved by the Florida Occupational Therapy Association for OTs and OTAs for 20 Contact Hours.  Our courses also meet the guidelines for approval in PA, SD, MI, AL, VA, MO, IN, AZ, DE, GA, NH, OR, RI, UT, VT, WY and MO. Courses are accepted for CEUs in NE, ID, MT, WA, CT, IA, and ND. If you do not see your state listed, please give our office a call. GREAT Seminars is an American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Approved Provider of continuing education (Provider #5363). This course is not approved by ASHA or Board of Certification.

Your tuition may be tax deductible. Any reference to or mention of state rules or regulations concerning continuing education requirements are true and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of print. If you have questions, please contact your board or regulating body.

If you do not see your state listed, please give our office a call at 877 794 7328.

DAY 1

7:30 – 8:00 – Registration and Continental Breakfast

8:00 – 8:30 – Optimal Aging and the AFIT

8:30 – 9:15 – General Health History and Posture

9:15 – 10:00 – Flexibility

10:00 – 10:15 – Break

10:15 – 12:00 – Balance

12:00 – 1:00 – Working Lunch (on your own)

1:00 – 2:00 – Endurance

2:00 – 4:00 – Strength

4:00 – 4:15 – Break

4:15 – 5:00 – Case Study / Group Discussion: Review AFIT results, appropriate referral, exercise prescription

5:00 – 6:30 – Motivation: Increasing the likelihood of exercise compliance

a. Brief patient case study video followed by group discussion

b. Development of a Motivational Interviewing Script incorporating the WAMI 3

Day 2

7:30 – 8:00 – Continental Breakfast

8-10 Motivational interviewing role play/ script/ WAMI 3

10-10:15 break

10:15 – 11:00 – Application via Case StudiesCase #1: Walk through the process together as a group

11:00 -11:45 Case #2: In small groups

11:45- 1:00 Presentations, Discussions on Case 2

1:00 – 2:00 – Working Lunch (on your own) list ways the AFIT can be used in your clinic/practice

2:00 – 2:05 – AFIT forms

2:05 – 3:30 – AFIT Level 2 – Demonstration, practice and critique of items and interventions

3:30 – 3:45 – Break

3:45 – 4:45 – Advocating

a. Marketing to the community with slide presentations and flyers, and/or

b. Justifying ongoing care with a managed care case manager

4:45 – 6:30 – Small group educational presentations to physician

Participant cancellations must be received in writing at least two weeks prior to the seminar date for tuition refund less a $75 administration fee. NO refunds will be made after this date.

In the event that a course is cancelled by Great Seminars and Books, participants will be offered the equivalent number of hours of online or live courses, or a refund. Great Seminars and Books is not responsible for course related expenses that participants may incur such as transportation, lodging or meals.



For Mail/Email registrations call us at 877 794 7328 or fill out this registration form and email (greatseminars@aol.com) or mail (Great Seminars, 2639 Revere Drive, Akron, OH, 44333) it to us.


Registration Cost

Early Bird = $50 discount

Regular = $595

Late Fee = add $75


Charlotte, NC Area – May 4-5, 2024

Novant Health Matthews Medical Center
Rehab Center Matthews Suite 150
1450 Matthews Township Parkway
Matthews, NC 28105


Early Bird (thru 4/10/24) = $545

Regular Price (4/11/24 – 4/10/24) = $595

Late Fee (4/12/24 – 5/4/24) = $645

Details Price Qty
Current Price is Early Bird Priceshow details + $545.00 (USD)  
Current Price is Regular Priceshow details + $595.00 (USD)   Goes On Sale
April 11, 2024
Current Price is Late Fee Priceshow details + $645.00 (USD)   Goes On Sale
April 12, 2024


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Portland, OR –September 28-29, 2024

Providence St. Vincent Medical Center
East Pavilion – Stanley Classrooms
9155 SW Barnes Road
Portland, OR 97225


Early Bird (thru 8/21/24) = $545

Regular Price (8/22/24 – 9/4/24) = $595

Late Fee (9/5/24 – 9/28/24) = $645

Details Price Qty
Current Price is Early Bird Priceshow details + $545.00 (USD)  
Current Price is Regular Priceshow details + $595.00 (USD)   Goes On Sale
August 22, 2024
Current Price is Late Fee Priceshow details + $645.00 (USD)   Goes On Sale
September 5, 2024


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Your Instructor

J. Kele Murdin, PT, GCS, GTCCS, CEEAA, FSOAE