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Functional aging specialist helping client stretch.

Future-proof your fitness career by learning how to coach, train, and support the aging population.



Join nearly 500,000+ ISSA-certified professionals who have built fulfilling and rewarding careers helping others live longer and healthier lives.



Join nearly 500,000+ ISSA-certified professionals who have built fulfilling and rewarding careers helping others live longer and healthier lives.

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Earn the certification you need to help the aging population improve their health and overall physical function.


There has never been more of a need or an opportunity for health and fitness professionals to work with older adults than ever before. As the global population of mature adults continues to grow exponentially, most older adults have begun to recognize that they need to exercise regularly in order to stay healthy and functional yet,  most of them don’t know what to do, how to do it, or where to start. As an ISSA Certified Functional Aging Specialist, you’ll bridge the gap between health and age, by training clients safely and effectively while teaching the world that old age can be fun, exhilarating, active, functional, healthy, and engaging.

Problem

By 2030, nearly 1 in 6 people will be 60 years of age and above.

Problem

95% of mature adults grapple with at least one chronic health condition.

Problem

28% of those aged 50 and over do not engage in any regular physical activity.

Problem

Every 11 seconds, an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall

Solution

The demand for specialized fitness services tailored to this age group will only continue to increase. Becoming a Certified Functional Aging Specialist equips fitness professionals with the skills and knowledge to cater precisely to the unique needs of the aging population.

Solution

When you become a Certified Functional Aging Specialist, you’ll have the expertise to design and implement exercise programs tailored specifically for individuals with chronic health conditions.

Solution

Sedentary lifestyles often lead to complications in the later years of life – but Functional Aging Specialists can change this narrative. By introducing enjoyable, functional exercise routines, you’ll be able to inspire and motivate older adults to embrace physical activity, fostering a culture of health and longevity.

Solution

Falls can be catastrophic in older age, but they're largely preventable. When you earn your Functional Aging Specialist certification, you’ll learn how to coach your clients to strengthen core muscles, enhance balance, and in doing so, you’ll improve their mobility and reduce the risk of falls.

What You’ll Learn


With the ISSA Functional Aging Specialist certification, you'll be equipped with a first-of-its-kind certification that prepares you to navigate the unique challenges that come with aging. The Functional Aging Training™ model is based on evidence-based and practical techniques that you can implement with your clients right away to promote longevity, enhance lifespan, decrease the likelihood of becoming injured, and improve their overall health and well-being.

Tailored Functional Assessments: Master techniques to evaluate older adults' functional fitness to develop targeted fitness programs that guarantee clients receive the most beneficial workouts for their needs.

Innovative Exercise Strategies: Dive deep into the Functional Aging Training™ model, learning exercises that cater to the aging process, ensuring clients experience holistic improvements in strength, balance, and mobility.

Varied Program Designs: Develop exercise routines for a diverse range of older adults, regardless of their existing level of mobility, that ensure every client’s program is appropriate for their level of ability and does not aggravate existing chronic health conditions.

Minimal Equipment Training: Equip yourself with skills to design impactful workouts using limited equipment, making exercises both accessible for clients and adaptable to varied settings.

Adaptable Recovery Protocols: Learn how to create post-exercise recovery routines, taking into consideration the unique recovery needs of older adults, ensuring they benefit fully from their workouts while minimizing soreness and fatigue.

Lifespan Functional Training: Discover exercises that are designed to enhance activities of daily living and maintain the ability to perform important life skills with ease and independence throughout their lives.

Balance and Coordination Enhancement: Master exercises that progressively challenge and improve balance and coordination, directly reducing fall risks and boosting confidence in daily activities.

Flexibility and Mobility Mastery: Explore advanced stretching and mobility techniques tailored for older bodies, enhancing joint health and improving day-to-day movement ease for clients.

The certification you need to future-proof your fitness career


With the global population of mature adults set to grow exponentially, the demand for specialized fitness professionals who understand their unique needs is on the rise. By becoming a Functional Aging Specialist, you're not just advancing your career; you're preparing to meet the imminent demands of an aging world. This certification positions you at the forefront of a burgeoning market, ensuring you remain indispensable and ahead of the curve.

Set Yourself Apart: The ISSA Certified Functional Aging Specialist certification allows you to stand out in the fitness industry by specializing in functional aging training, positioning yourself as the go-to expert for a rapidly growing demographic.

Help More People: Learn how to support, coach, and train the population of people who could benefit the most from having specialized functional aging knowledge.

Increase Your Earning Potential: With specialized skills come specialized rates. Offer premium services tailored to the unique needs of older adults.

Expand Your Employment Opportunities: Gain an edge in job applications and interviews, as health clubs, rehabilitation centers, and senior living facilities actively seek professionals with expertise in aging populations.

Continuous Professional Development: Stay ahead in the fitness industry by constantly updating your knowledge base, ensuring you remain relevant and in demand as a top-tier fitness professional.

Networking and Collaboration: When you enroll, you’ll become a member of a community of 500,000+ like-minded fitness professionals who are committed to helping others improve their fitness, health and wellness while accomplishing their career goals.

How It Works

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  • Enroll now and get instant access

  • 2

  • Study at your own pace

  • 3

  • Take chapter quizzes to see your progress

  • 4

  • Pass the open-book, untimed Final Exam from anywhere!

ISSA trainer helping senior client lift weights.

Find out if becoming a Functional Aging Specialist is right for you.

If you’re ready to help more people, play a role in the chronic disease crisis, and earn a specialized credential, this is the best place to start. Tell us a little about yourself to receive your FREE career evaluation kit.


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Functional Aging Specialist

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