BCRPA Approved Older Adult Manual written by Aaron Tews
**Price now includes free shipping in BC for printed versions.
The Older Adult Exercise & Healthy Aging Manual is a comprehensive, evidence-informed resource designed for practitioners, educators, and students working in gerontology, kinesiology, rehabilitation, and community health. Integrating current research with applied practice, this manual provides a rigorous foundation for understanding the physiological, psychosocial, and environmental factors that shape aging—and offers practical frameworks for designing and delivering safe, effective, and person-centered exercise programs for older adults.
Drawing on contemporary literature in exercise science, chronic disease management, nutrition, motor learning, and behavior change, the manual bridges theory and practice across clinical, community, and home-based settings. Each chapter synthesizes key concepts with functional applications, assessment tools, program models, and instructional strategies that support autonomy, mobility, and long-term engagement. The manual emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, ethical practice, and the integration of exercise with broader determinants of health, positioning it as an essential reference for professionals supporting aging populations.
Manual Highlights:
- Foundations of Aging Physiology
- Comprehensive Screening and Assessment
- Evidence-Based Exercise Prescription
- Chronic Conditions and Special Populations
- Nutrition for Healthy Aging
- Instructional Methods and Class Management
- Safety Protocols and Emergency Preparedness
- Applied Program Models
- Implementation Across Settings
Here is one of the reviews of this manual:
“It has been such a joy to read through and has been directly and practically helpful for me as I teach and prepare for my older adult classes. One of my participants came to talk to me this week about how she is insulin-resistant and has neuropathy; she wanted to know if exercise can possibly reverse these changes and I felt so grateful to be able to confidently tell her that exercise is one of the best interventions to bring changes for these types of conditions. This was definitely one of my favourite key takeaways from your manual: exercise’s relationship to neuroplasticity, the adaptability of the nervous system as we age, and that exercise is not just an effective intervention but a biological therapy that slows down the biological effects of aging — so cool, encouraging, and hopeful!
Some other sections that really stood out to me were from chapter 8 where you talk about how important it is to consider different cultural and generational differences (and defining each one) and chapter 10 where you emphasize how important it is not to patronize, but to value and acknowledge an older adult’s lifetime of experience.
The case studies in chapter 11 are also especially helpful; I really appreciate how you include detailed progressions and the resulting benefits of these interventions.
Lastly, chapter 15 was again personally so helpful and relevant to me. Making classes learner-centered with a focus on the participants’ strengths, respecting their autonomy and dignity, and having a growth-oriented mindset that focuses on the possibilities is such a positive framework that is so helpful to me as I plan my classes.
The message is clear: exercise is a biological aging intervention…
Thank you for trusting me to preview your work. This is a labour of love that holistically puts together the technical, practical, scientific, and social aspects of teaching exercise to older adults. Your passion and expertise really shine through and will undoubtedly be a great resource to many instructors who will in turn help improve the quality of life of so many others! Well done!!” -Flo K. 2026
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Older Adult Manual purchase options:
- Multiple copy order discounts available! Call or email for pricing.
- Other BCRPA approved course manuals available: Weight Training Manual, Group Fitness Manual