Does the Fitness Industry Serve Clients Over 65?

Does the Fitness Industry Serve Clients Over 65? 

In 2021, 17% of the US population was over 65, up almost 5%, from the previous decade. Our population is aging and more people are spending as many years out of retirement as they did working. Staying active and being able to enjoy retirement is a big concern for the over 60 crowd and something that the fitness industry has only started to recognize. 

Research suggests that as we age we need to continue to participate in weight bearing activities, cardiovascular activities and agility exercises. The Cleveland Clinic estimates that we lose an average of 5% of our muscle mass each decade after our 20s and that number increases to nearly 10% after we turn 60. It is widely known that weight bearing activities and resistance training are the best way to build and maintain muscle mass. So, why hasn’t the fitness industry emphasized the importance of strength building in the active older adult population?

Cultural Norms

It isn’t just the fitness industry that hasn’t caught up with the increasing age of our population. Culturally, much of our infrastructure and our way of life is geared towards younger people. For instance, the way we measure population data and conduct research groups of people over 65 in a single group. There is a big difference between someone that is 85 and someone that is 65, just like there is a big difference between an infant and a 20 year old. Developmentally, socially, physically and what they need to be healthy and active. 

Likewise, the AMA published a study that suggested patients received different care after 65. Procedures that they would have gotten in their 40-50s are not presented as options and many of older adults’ self-described symptoms are written off “as just getting old.”  From this perspective, aging is a condition or disease that we have to deal with. But that is not the case! As a trainer, I work with people of all ages and there are plenty of individuals that are over 60 that are fit, relatively pain free and in great health! I also work with individuals in their 20-30s that are managing chronic conditions and working towards increased mobility. Age isn’t the only defining characteristic of a person’s fitness and as an industry and country we need to be more mindful and inclusive.  

Fitness Industry Bias

The fitness industry as a whole is primarily focused on a younger generation. Establishing programming and equipment that is suited for the 20 somethings. And the classes and programming that is offered for people over 50 is often low-impact and chair-only classes. Few facilities offer a range of classes for older adults and even less include high impact, floor and strength classes. Trainers often are instructed to use only machines when training people over 50 or to avoid certain pieces of equipment like squat racks, pull up bars or agility drills. All of this is a gross disadvantage for a population of people that need to build strength and agility at a rate that is faster than they are losing it. 

In 2019, the average life expectancy for an American was 79 years, 10 years longer than it was 50 years ago!  With more people living into their 80s, life after retirement is a lot longer than it used to be. People want to spend the later part of their life doing things they love, which more often than not requires being active, having mobility and being independent. With all this in mind, why isn’t there more focus in the fitness industry on keeping active older adults, well, active so they can pursue a healthy life well into their later years. 

Weight bearing activity becomes especially important as we age, to combat decreasing bone density and strength. Squats, lunges, single-leg patterns and dynamic movement patterns with dumbbells are commonly found in classes at studios or gyms, supporting the 20-30 somethings. However, these activities are seldom found in lower impact, chair type classes that are in facilities and advertised towards the over 65 crowd. And these are the functional movement patterns that mimic everyday activities for most adults, sit/stand, quick feet to get out of the way or play with (grand)children, reach and grab something off a shelf, etc. 

What is To Be Done

I propose that we shift our thinking about what people over 65 can and should be doing for their fitness and health. 

1. Be mindful in your word choices and perceptions of older clients. It might surprise you how strong or capable they actually are if you give them a chance. 
2. Work with older clients to establish progressive strength training programs, to build strength and increase bone density. 
3. Promote inclusivity in classes allowing all ages to participate and provide meaningful options for all skill levels. 
4. Establish more classes with agility, strength and higher-impact programming in facilities and studios that encourage individuals 65+ to attend. 

Research agrees that staying active is important as we age to maintain our overall health and wellbeing. As life expectancy increases and individuals are spending 30+ years out of retirement the client base for the fitness industry is shifting towards an older population.  As trainers and fitness professionals we need to better understand the needs, struggles and capabilities of this population and build appropriate programming to best serve their needs. Aging is inevitable, but it isn’t a disease or condition and it certainly isn’t a disability.

Jaclyn Phillips is a CPT and orthopedic specialist with over five years of experience in the fitness industry. She founded her company, Functional Health and Fitness, to specialize in helping clients navigate injury recovery, pain management and build functional movement patterns. Jaclyn holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology and multiple certifications including Corrective Exercise, Senior Fitness, and Hip Stabilization. She teaches group strength and balance classes for seniors and individuals with Parkinson’s Disease. Jacki loves being outdoors and spends her free time in the mountains skiing, hiking, camping and paddle boarding.