National Qualification in Exercise for Older Adults

Help older adults age with confidence!

This programme equips certified fitness trainers with the expertise and competencies to assist older adults in maintaining and enhancing functional fitness to promote successful ageing.

  • Live Online
  • Exclusively for Fitness Professionals
  • Understand essential modifications
  • NTC - Since 1985

Why our Exercise for Older Adults course?

Get the knowledge and skills required to provide exercise for older adults to help them maintain and improve their functional fitness, and age successfully.

Live Online

This programme is delivered live online with recordings available afterwards for student review. If you can't attend live you can catch up after, complete your assessment and qualify.

For Professionals

Designed exclusively for fitness professionals who hold a valid regognised primary qualification such as the National Qualification in Exercise, Health Studies, and Personal Training

Get Covered

Once you hold a professional qualification like this you can then be assured that your professional insurance will cover you to prescribe safe and effective exercise to older clients.

success stories

What our graduates say!

Some of the many unsolicited testimonials we have received from graduates of the NTC's courses

I really enjoyed it… thanks to the motivational teachers for their support… also Karen and Greg in admin, who were always helpful.

Brian McConville
Personal Training Graduate

A big thank you for a wonderful course. You are all very special in your own ways. Your professionalism and knowledge delivered with love and passion shines through. I will miss you all. Be that body!

Karen Reynolds
Personal Training Graduate

Thank you to John, the staff, and tutors for your support during the Personal Trainer course. Your structured approach made balancing study and life much easier.

Shane O’Neill
Personal Training Graduate

Fantastic facility. I can’t wait to come back. The tutors are great, and the high standards are inspiring.

Caroline Mallon
Personal Training Graduate

The standard of teaching on this course is amazing… so organised, enthusiastic, and down to earth. I feel lucky to experience this. Just wanted to say… FANTASTIC!

Richelle Daly
Personal Training Graduate

I really enjoyed my time at the NTC. We had a great group and are all keeping in touch.

Toni Anderson
Personal Training Graduate
All you need to know

Full Details for the National Qualification in Exercise for older Adults course.

(Remember there's even more info in the FAQ section below)

The objective of this course is to provide certified fitness instructors with the knowledge and skills required to provide exercise for older adults and help them in maintaining and improving their functional fitness, thus enabling them to age successfully. Upon successful completion of the Exercise for Older Adults course, you will be equipped with a comprehensive understanding of the unique exercise requirements of the older adult population, enabling you to design customised exercise programmes that cater to their specific needs and limitations.

This Exercise for Older Adults course covers essential topics, such as accurate prescription of exercise programmes targeted towards older adults and incorporating modified programme design protocols suitable for this demographic. You will also learn to plan and design effective training programs for individuals with mixed fitness levels, taking into consideration their individual goals.

This course emphasises the importance of exercise programmes that can enhance the ability of older adults to perform activities of daily living efficiently. You will learn to explain the benefits of such exercise for older adults programmes and demonstrate how they can improve the overall health and well-being of older adults.

By completing this course, you will earn certification as a specialised expert in training older adults, enabling you to better serve this growing demographic and improve their quality of life. This qualification is a valuable asset that will equip you to make a meaningful difference in the lives of older adults, enabling them to maintain their independence and achieve a high level of physical fitness.

The standard cost of the National Qualification in Exercise for Older Adults course is €165.00.

The discounted rate for graduates of the National Qualification in Exercise, Health Studies and Personal Training is €137.50.

This course is open to qualified fitness instructors who hold a REPs approved EQF Level 3 Fitness Instructor qualification (as a minimum requirement).

If your qualification is not REPs approved please submit a copy to info@ntc.ie and we will check if you meet the eligibility requirements to receive a professional development certificate.

This course is not suitable for those who do not hold a fitness qualification.

The Exercise for Older Adults course comprehensively covers all relevant areas, including:

  • The benefits of exercise for the older adult
  • Exploring the objectives of older adults
  • Understanding the key physiological considerations in developing a comprehensive exercise programme for older adults
  • Understanding various acute and chronic adaptations in relation to exercise and the older adult
  • Developing screening and evaluation methods
  • Being familiar with current research on exercise and the older adult
  • Appreciating the need for appropriate exercise prescription for the older adult
  • Developing optimal training methods
  • Exploring the nutritional needs of the older adult

By the end of this course, you will have a comprehensive understanding of the unique exercise requirements of the older adult population, enabling you to develop tailored exercise programmes that cater to their specific needs and limitations. You will also learn to incorporate nutritional considerations into your programs, allowing you to maximise the benefits of exercise for your clients.

This qualification is essential for certified fitness trainers who wish to specialise in training older adults. With this knowledge, you will be able to make a meaningful difference in the lives of older adults, empowering them to maintain their independence and achieve a high level of physical fitness.

Locations, Schedule and Booking

Information about schedules, locations and start dates for the course

Good Availability

LIVE ONLINE

Recording Available Afterwards

2 Evenings

MARCH 21st 2025

2 Friday Evenings from 7pm
Session 1 – March 21st 2025
Session 2 – March 28th 2025
Please note that although unlikely, dates may be subject to change

Good Availability

LIVE ONLINE

Recording Available Afterwards

2 Evenings

SEPTEMBER 19th 2025

2 Friday Evenings from 7pm
Session 1 – September 19th 2025
Session 2 – September 26th 2025
Please note that although unlikely, dates may be subject to change

Meet The Team

Only fully qualified tutors deliver the National Qualification in Exercise for Older Adults course with each having extensive expertise in their individual field.

Mairead Kieran

Mairead Kieran

Mairead is an experienced and dedicated fitness professional with over a decade of experience in the health and fitness industry. She has a passion for helping her clients achieve their health and fitness goals through a holistic approach to wellness. Mairead’s clients appreciate her caring and motivational style, which has earned her a reputation as one of the most effective trainers in the industry.

As a lifelong learner, Mairead is committed to continually improving her knowledge and skills. She holds numerous fitness and personal training qualifications, including yoga instruction, powerlifting coaching, and a range of Les Mills group fitness classes. Her diverse skill set allows her to work with clients of all fitness levels and provide personalized training plans that are tailored to their individual needs and goals.

Mairead’s approach to fitness is focused on a holistic view of health and wellness, which encompasses not just physical fitness, but also mental and emotional well-being. Her dedication to this approach has made her a popular choice among her clients, who appreciate the individual attention she provides and the positive results they achieve under her guidance.

In addition to her work with individual clients, Mairead is also a valued member of the National Training Centre (NTC) faculty. Her expertise in yoga, powerlifting, and group fitness instruction make her an invaluable resource for the NTC’s students. Her approachable manner and supportive teaching style create a positive and engaging learning environment, which helps her students achieve their qualifications with confidence and success.

Overall, Mairead’s passion for health and fitness, combined with her dedication to continued learning and development, has made her a highly effective and respected fitness professional. Her ability to inspire and motivate her clients and students is a testament to her caring and motivational approach, and her expertise in a wide range of fitness disciplines has made her a valuable asset to the NTC faculty.

Michelle O’Melia, MSc

Michelle O’Melia, MSc

Michelle is an accomplished and dedicated NTC tutor with over 20 years of experience in delivering educational excellence to students. Her passion for fitness and health is evident in her teaching, and she is committed to inspiring and empowering students to achieve their full potential. Michelle’s extensive knowledge and expertise in the field of fitness and nutrition are supported by her Masters Degree in Exercise and Nutrition Science from the University of Chester.

As a tutor, Michelle teaches a range of subjects on our primary health fitness programmes, including exercise to music, anatomy and physiology, fitness assessment, and exercise physiology. She also teaches extensively on our Neuromuscular Therapy and Holistic Massage courses. Michelle has a talent for breaking down complex concepts into easy-to-understand terms, making her teaching accessible to students of all levels. Michelle’s engaging and interactive teaching style keeps students motivated and focused, and she is always available to offer guidance and support when needed.

In addition to her primary teaching responsibilities, Michelle also delivers specialised courses in suspension training and indoor cycling. These courses are designed to provide students with advanced skills and knowledge in these popular and effective fitness techniques.

Beyond her work at NTC, Michelle is a passionate advocate for health and wellness. She is actively involved in local fitness and nutrition initiatives and is committed to promoting the benefits of healthy living in her community. Michelle’s dedication to her students and her profession has made her a valued member of the NTC team, and her contributions have helped to establish NTC as a leader in fitness education.

Answers at your fingertips

Frequently Asked Questions

The National Training Centre have been delivering respected educational programmes since 1985 and during that time we have had many questions asked by potential students before registration. Here you can find the answers to the questions we receive most often.

Still have questions?

Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Contact us!

This course is open to qualified fitness instructors who hold a REPs approved EQF Level 3 Fitness Instructor qualification (as a minimum requirement). If your qualification is not REPs approved please submit a copy to info@ntc.ie and we will check if you meet the eligibility requirements to receive a professional development certificate. This course is not suitable for those who do not hold a fitness qualification.

Fitness ACP courses are generally delivered over a single day, 2 mornings, 2 evenings or weekends. Our planning is based on the numbers registered and the decision to proceed with a course is based on the registered number of participants.

If you can’t make it for the time you have booked you will forfeit any fees paid. It may be possible, although not guaranteed, to reschedule your participation for a later date.

If there is a medical reason for non-participation we will, subject to receipt of valid medical certification, reschedule your participation to a later date.

For more information or clarification please call us on 01 882 7777 or by email to info@ntc.ie

In the unlikely event that a course does not proceed you will be offered whichever of the following suits you best:

  • Reschedule to a different date
  • Reschedule to an alternative location (where applicable)
  • A full refund of all fees paid
Still have questions?

Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Contact us!

ONSITE LESSONS
Practical classes take place either at NTC or SPORTSCO, Ringsend, Dublin 4
Saturday from 10:30am to 1pm and 2pm to 4:30pm

October 2024 –  12th♦, 19th, 26th
November 2024 – 2nd, 9th, 23rd, 30th
December 2024 – 7th, 14th
January 2025 – 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th♦
February 2025 – 1st, 8th♦, 15th, 22nd
Examinations and/or class will start at 9:30am on dates indicated with ♦

ONLINE LESSONS
Tuesday and Thursday Evenings from 7pm to 9pm
(Recordings available afterwards)

October 2024 –  15th, 17th, 22nd, 29th, 31st
November 2024 –  5th, 7th, 12th, 14th, 19th, 21st, 26th, 28th
December 2024 –  3rd, 5th, 10th, 12th
January 2025 –  7th, 9th, 14th, 16th, 21st, 23rd, 28th, 30th

PROVISIONAL PRACTICAL EXAMINATION DATES

February 2025 – 23rd March 2025 – 1st, 2nd
(Individual and group times will be issued by the NTC examination’s office)

OPTIONAL FREE COURSE
National Qualification in Kettlebell Training

January 19th, 2025 – Sunday from 10:00-17:00

PLEASE NOTE
Dates are provisional and, although unlikely, NTC reserve the right to make changes to the timetable if and when necessary
National Training Centre, Dublin

When did your course begin?