What is functional ageing?

​I am a functional ageing specialist. Not only am I the first one in my hometown Loughton but also one of the first  qualified functional ageing specialist in the whole of the UK.


The fact is that this qualification is so new that it is yet to decided whether it is going to be a Level 3 qualification or even a level 4.


To tell the truth I will take any. Be  it level 3 or level 4. All I can say is that passing this qualification has been one of the most difficult things I have ever done in my life. That is probably good though, that you need to be at your best to look after the fitness of our ageing population.


You know what the cool thing is?


My certificate is only valid for 2 years. 3rd of May 2018 it expired and I had to redo my exam.


I am now looking forward to working more and more with alder adults and hopefully sooner rather than later I will be making a big difference in someone’s life. It could be such as simple things getting someone fit enough to play with their grand-children or how about this great grand children. It could also mean that I take on a client who needs help with fall prevention.


Good thing is!


I now have both the experience and the qualifications to deal with these situations.


I just heard the other day that the average age in the UK now is 40 and this doesn’t mean that there are lots of 40 year olds walking around. The average age is 40 because there are lots of older adults and our population keeps on getting older day by day.
 
Unfortunately as we age many functions start to slow down.


!) We lose muscle power which is needed in our daily lives.
2) Balance definitely goes down as we age.
3) Movement. Our agility goes down.
4)Weight gain as we get older and slow down our bodies get heavier
5) Niggles and pain


The good news is that if you keep on moving  most of these things can be prevented and remember it is never too late to start. It doesn’t matter what age you are, you can still improve many of your functions and continue to live an active life.


If you are  an older adult or if you know any older adult who could benefit from some movement then you know who to call.


I am based in Loughton Essex and my initial consultation is free.


I would love to hear from you!


By:Abdi-Karim Berleen/Personal trainer in Loughton.