We believe that fitness is vital at every stage of life. Therefore, we created fitness solutions that fit the needs of seniors, helping them build mobility and prevent falls to maintain independence that will help them live a higher quality of life. Considerations for senior-specific exercise should include low-impact options for building strength, flexibility, and balance to prevent falls.
Staying Active, Strong, and Healthy
The United Health Foundation found that only 23.1% of U.S. adults aged 65+ met the federal physical activity guidelines in 2019. This oversight makes it more likely for seniors to experience falls or future injuries that minimize their independence and influence their quality of life.
Additionally, organizations such as the World Health Organization found that regular exercise reduces the risk of future health problems such as dementia, heart disease, cancer, and more by improving users’ overall health. In the long term, this not only lengthens one’s life, but also improves their quality of life and lowers their healthcare costs, demonstrating the necessity of getting seniors moving more.
The University of Michigan’s National Poll on Healthy Aging found that about 33% of American senior citizens feel lonely, which is concerning for emotional, mental, and physical health. The CDC has identified increased health risks around social isolation in older adults, such as a 29% increase in risk of heart disease, 32% increase in risk of a stroke, and 50% increase in risk of dementia.
Outdoor fitness can provide opportunities for social interaction that are much needed amongst seniors. A growing number of senior living communities are adopting outdoor fitness as a way to build strength, improve quality of life, and enhance mental health in our seniors.
What Do Seniors Think About Outdoor Fitness?
“My husband and I come here at least 4 days a week and one of the nicest aspects of this particular setup is that we’ve become kind of like a neighborhood community. A lot of us know each other’s names and we kind of worry when somebody doesn’t come when we expect that they’re going to be here. It’s really nice to come here every day and feel like you’re part of a bigger and broader community. We appreciate it very much.”
Marjorie Fairbanks, Community Member in Orange, CA
“I guess I was used to indoor equipment; that’s what I’ve always been doing… So I saw the photos [of the outdoor fitness center], I wasn’t quite sure… But when it first was installed and we went to look at it, I said, ‘I love this!’ I love being outside, I love using my own weight, I love the different activities. And I find that I was getting more out of that than when I was doing the free weights. I really feel that I’m using more muscles, and I like the variation… I like the fresh air! I like fresh air, I like the movements, I don’t feel isolated.”
Bert Smuger, Resident of Discovery Village at Boynton Beach, FL
“Everybody that I see that participates regularly in all the exercise classes, they seem to have a better — overall — better health. Their balance looks better, I’m not seeing as many falls in those people that stay regularly active. … The 2-person ski is fun; I mean when they get on there, they’re laughing and having fun. When they were doing it the other day they were having a great time, and everybody is engaged in it, so I do think it is more of a playground atmosphere and I think that does help.”
Kimberly Insalaco, Director of Rehab at Ageility, Boynton Beach, FL
What People Are Saying
“My husband and I come here at least 4 days a week and one of the nicest aspects of this particular setup is that we’ve become kind of like a neighborhood community. A lot of us know each other’s names and we kind of worry when somebody doesn’t come when we expect that they’re going to be here. It’s really nice to come here every day and feel like you’re part of a bigger and broader community. We appreciate it very much.”
Marjorie Fairbanks, Community Member in Orange, CA
“I guess I was used to indoor equipment; that’s what I’ve always been doing… So I saw the photos [of the outdoor fitness center], I wasn’t quite sure… But when it first was installed and we went to look at it, I said, ‘I love this!’ I love being outside, I love using my own weight, I love the different activities. And I find that I was getting more out of that than when I was doing the free weights. I really feel that I’m using more muscles, and I like the variation… I like the fresh air! I like fresh air, I like the movements, I don’t feel isolated.”
Bert Smuger, Resident of Discovery Village at Boynton Beach, FL
“Everybody that I see that participates regularly in all the exercise classes, they seem to have a better — overall — better health. Their balance looks better, I’m not seeing as many falls in those people that stay regularly active. … The 2-person ski is fun; I mean when they get on there, they’re laughing and having fun. When they were doing it the other day they were having a great time, and everybody is engaged in it, so I do think it is more of a playground atmosphere, and I think that does help.”
Kimberly Insalaco, Director of Rehab at Ageility, Boynton Beach, FL
Seniors & Outdoor Fitness
A Story of Outdoor Fitness Benefits
Anaheim Senior Center
Santa Ana Senior Center
Discovery Village at Boynton Beach
Tell Us About Your Project
If you think your senior community is ready for outdoor fitness, our design team is ready to create a complimentary site layout complete with 3D render of the final project. If you’re ready to bring your vision to life, drop us a line today.
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