New Survey Shows Seniors are Healthier and More Physically Active than Most People Think
Vanity may Still be a Major Motivator for those Past Age 50
LOUISVILLE, KY - July 16, 2007 - A new survey of the fitness and exercise habits of people over the age of 50 reveals that seniors are more physically active than most people think. Given common assumptions about baby boomers and seniors, the results were somewhat surprising in that this group is generally healthy and physically active. Of those polled, 97 percent say they are in good, very good or excellent health and 45 percent consider themselves above average in physical fitness. Respondents believe that exercising is beneficial in improving and maintaining their health and fitness levels, with 42 percent noting that they look or feel better as a result of physical activity.
However, vanity as much as wellness may be a driving force. And the search for six-pack abs does not end after one’s fiftieth birthday. At least 63 percent of seniors are more concerned with their abs than any other part of their body. Only 10 percent are concerned with their hips or bottom, and only 5 percent are worried about their legs. The survey sampled the opinions of more than 4,500 respondents to determine their fitness habits and attitudes toward exercising and their bodies. It was commissioned by health benefits company Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM) and the SilverSneakers® Fitness Program, a product of Healthways, and was conducted on eons.com, the Web site of Eons, Inc., a 50-plus media company.
The survey also revealed that 74 percent of seniors exercise at least three days a week and 33 percent exercise at least five days a week. Nearly half (46 percent) have been exercising for more than five years, demonstrating a long-term commitment to physical activity.
“We’ve been working with the 50-plus age population for a long time, whether through our commercial and Medicare business or through our relationship with SilverSneakers and Eons,” said Dr. Robert Pope, medical director for Humana’s senior segment. “We’ve consistently promoted the benefits of physical activity and healthier lifestyles, but it’s encouraging to see that seniors are taking it all so seriously. It’s difficult to get motivated at any age, and I think we can all learn a lesson from the exercise habits of these seniors.”
Of those surveyed, half prefer to walk or power walk to get their exercise, and, if given free time to do any physical activity, 39 percent say they’d take a long walk. Nearly half (47 percent) like to exercise outdoors, while 40 percent prefer working out at home and 43 percent like to exercise alone.
“Through our work with the 50-plus population, we know that boomers really understand the benefits of a healthy lifestyle,” said Jeff Taylor, founder and CEO of Eons. “This survey showed us that health consciousness among people in this age group is much more widespread than many think. Getting excited about exercise becomes more difficult with age, so we’re happy to see such a large portion of people 50 plus are staying active to stay healthy.”
Other key findings of the survey include:
- 17 percent say they’ve lost weight since becoming more active; 34% say their body just feels better
- 53 percent say that a lack of interest, motivation or time prevents them from being more active
- 61 percent say they started exercising because they wanted to look or feel good
- Only about 15 percent said it was because of a doctor’s warning (5 percent) or an immediate health concern (9 percent)
- Less than 1 percent said it was because they were re-entering the dating scene
- 67 percent exercise today to improve their health or maintain their fitness/health level
- 44 percent say their personal belief is what keeps them going
- Only 7 percent say it was their children (<3 percent), doctor (<3 percent) or a friend (2 percent) that motivated them
- 22 percent say they’d take an adventure vacation, go kayaking or canoeing if given free time to do something physically active
Eons conducted the online survey in the U.S. on behalf of Humana and SilverSneakers among Eons’ members over the age of 50. The survey was conducted from April 18 – May 9, 2007. To help inactive seniors jump-start their fitness, Humana developed a fitness book with low-impact exercises and tips on getting and staying healthy. The book, developed as part of Humana’s sponsorship of the Senior Olympics, held in Louisville, KY, can be downloaded from http://www.humana-medicare.com/fitness/, or can be ordered by calling (800) 710-1601.
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