As Hippocrates, the ancient Greek physician hailed as the ‘Father of Western Medicine,’ once said, ‘Walking is man’s best medicine.’ This age-old wisdom is still relevant today, as evidenced by a recent survey conducted by Aaptiv. The 2024 Fitness and Preferences Survey found that walking is the most popular exercise among Medicare beneficiaries who use their fitness app. Learn about the top exercises that seniors prefer and why it’s crucial to incorporate them into any Medicare fitness program.
The Need to Reverse the Trend
Although regular physical activity is essential for healthy aging, over 85% of older adults fall short of exercise recommendations. Promoting physical activity and reducing sedentary behavior for older adults is crucial because older adults are the least physically active age group. Studies show that overall exercise frequency declines gradually with age, with most older adults spending a significant part of their day being sedentary.
Furthermore, the economic burden of Americans’ sedentary lifestyles is significant. The World Health Organization estimates that the cost of treating chronic diseases attributable to physical inactivity between 2020 and 2030 will cost the U.S. around $27 billion annually.
The good news is that more and more research shows that being active protects against many chronic illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer while lowering the risk of overall death.
What do Medicare Beneficiaries Want in a Fitness App?
Even though activity recommendations for older adults are well-established, Aaptiv wanted to better understand the “real world” preferences of its fitness app users aged 65 and over. The survey revealed encouraging results, providing valuable insights to guide future content development and refine existing programs.
The survey showed that the most popular fitness app workouts for seniors include walking programs (58%), flexibility exercises (47%), strength training (41%), and balance/stability exercises (38%). This variety reflects the importance of a well-rounded exercise routine for older adults.
Like all adults, seniors benefit from a combination of aerobic exercise, strength training, and balance activities. Doing all three types is crucial for improving physical function and reducing the risk of falls or injury from falls.
Here’s a breakdown of the recommended activities seniors should do each week:
- Aerobic activity: At least 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity.
- Muscle strengthening: at least two days a week
- Balance training: at least three days per week.
- The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends that older adults perform activities that maintain or increase flexibility for at least 10 minutes a day, at least two days a week.
Seniors Lean on Tech for Personalization and Support
With more older adults showing a growing appetite for technology, fitness apps provide a convenient way to access all the recommended exercise programs. The good news is that research shows that digital coaching motivates seniors due to step-by-step instructions and instant feedback.
Pete English, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Medicare and Health Plans at PEAR Health Labs, says, “Personalization is key for Medicare members as far as their fitness needs are concerned because their fitness levels vary so greatly. AI-powered apps deliver customized plans based on individual needs and goals. As users engage more and progress, the app continuously adapts the plan based on their achievements, ensuring a long-lasting, effective, and enjoyable workout routine.”
Pete underscores the importance of user-friendliness for senior users. “The Aaptiv survey confirmed that Medicare beneficiaries need something easy and simple to interact with,” he says. “This aligns with the finding that clear audio along with video instructions are crucial, as vision may become more challenging with age.” Aaptiv Advantage and our AI-powered personalized fitness plans make it easy for seniors to find exercise programs that they enjoy and that align with their abilities. This can keep them engaged and motivated to continue living a more physically active, healthier lifestyle.
