India’s First Hybrid Geriatric Fitness Trainer Course (CGFTC): A Step Towards Active Ageing

With India steadily progressing towards an ageing society, the need for structured and scientifically designed geriatric fitness education has become increasingly important. This need is also reflected globally, as the world moves in alignment with the Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030)—a global initiative embraced by several countries, including the UK, to promote functional ability, independence, and quality of life among older adults.

Addressing this emerging national and global priority, Chandrashekhar Agashe College of Physical Education and Sports, in collaboration with Sirona Wellness, successfully conducted the Geriatric Fitness Trainer Course (CGFTC)—a pioneering initiative in the field of fitness and wellness education in India.

Although geriatric fitness had earlier been introduced twice as an elective course for Master’s students at CACPE, this programme marked the first time it was extended beyond regular academic learners, enabling participation from a wider, intergenerational audience. In this context, CGFTC stands as India’s first hybrid geriatric fitness trainer course in terms of structure, reach, and participant diversity.

Key Features of the CGFTC

The course was carefully designed to ensure inclusivity, flexibility, and practical relevance. Its defining features included:

This intergenerational learning environment encouraged empathy, experience-sharing, and a deeper understanding of ageing-related fitness needs.

Course Structure and Learning Approach

The academic framework of the course focused on building a strong conceptual foundation through expert-led sessions. Core areas included:

These theoretical inputs were systematically reinforced through offline practical sessions, ensuring effective application of knowledge in real-life settings.

Practical Training and Community-Based Application

A major strength of CGFTC was its strong emphasis on hands-on and community-oriented practical exposure. Participants actively engaged in:

One of the most impactful experiences of the course was the community-based practical session conducted at Kamla Nehru Park. This session was planned and conducted by the course participants, under the guidance of the lead resource person, allowing them to apply theoretical concepts in a real-world environment. The session was further enriched by the participation of medical college students, creating valuable interdisciplinary learning and collaboration.

Significance and Outcomes

Despite being a pioneering initiative, CGFTC successfully demonstrated that geriatric fitness education can be:

The course contributed meaningfully to the broader goal of active and healthy ageing, in line with national priorities and global healthy ageing frameworks.

Conclusion

The Geriatric Fitness Trainer Course (CGFTC) stands as a progressive educational initiative addressing a critical societal need. Through its hybrid format, expert guidance, diverse participation, and strong practical orientation, the course has laid a solid foundation for future developments in geriatric fitness education in India.

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