When it comes to artificial intelligence and technology use, senior citizens might not be the first group to come to mind. However, trends show that seniors are increasingly embracing technology and incorporating it into their everyday lives. Notably, this trend extends to health and fitness. Research shows that offering seniors motivating and user-friendly digital coaching can greatly improve their health and overall quality of life.

Senior Tech Trends

It may surprise some people that baby boomers (ages 59-77) are considered tech-savvy (1). (Fun fact: Washington D.C., California, and Utah are the states with the most tech-savvy seniors.)

Many seniors have a growing appetite for tech that shows no signs of slowing down. According to recent AARP research, tech ownership is high, with 86% of seniors owning a smartphone, and 28% owning a wearable device.

And seniors are not just using technology to stay in touch with their grandchildren. AARP found that about one-third of older adults use their smartphones to get access to health and fitness information or to track their health or fitness goals. AARP also discovered that adults over 50 are open to using apps to support their well-being, with one in five saying they’re interested in using health apps for meditation, dropping bad habits, or improving sleep.

Impact of Apps on Senior Fitness

Although smartphone apps can be used for entertaining reasons (looking at you Candy Crush2) research shows that technology can also provide significant health benefits. A study published in Geriatrics showed that exercise technology can help older adults prevent disease, achieve good health, and ultimately age successfully.

Other research has shown a connection between smartphone apps that focus on physical activity and an increase in exercise. That’s a noteworthy advantage since it’s been proven that the more exercise people do, the greater the potential for improved health.

In addition, researchers in this study highlight that smartphone apps show great promise as a convenient and attractive way to provide physical activity interventions that are easily accessible.

Motivating Seniors to Move   

As older Americans’ receptiveness to technology grows, recent research has shown their willingness to embrace digital coaching as a motivator for staying active. In a study of adults aged 60 to 75, researchers discovered that this age group values digital coaching because it offers instant feedback and step-by-step instructions on what to do next during workouts. A noteworthy finding from the study was the participants’ belief that digital coaching has the potential to boost their confidence in exercising effectively.

The Benefits of Digital Coaching for Seniors

Digital coaching powered by AI offers a range of benefits, making it a game-changer in senior fitness. Here are just a few of the advantages:

• Increased Motivation: Through personalized feedback, progress tracking, and the opportunity to connect with other like-minded individuals, digital coaching can keep seniors engaged and motivated in their fitness journey.
• Enhanced Safety: Through expert instructions and guidance through both audio and video coaching, seniors can learn how to exercise safely and confidently, reducing the risk of injuries.
• Optimized Convenience: Digital coaching allows seniors to exercise at their convenience, whether it’s in the comfort of their homes or any location they choose. They can explore new exercises, ease into a structured fitness routine, and gradually build strength and confidence at a pace that suits their individual abilities and preferences.

The Key to Engaging Older Adults 

According to PEAR Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Amy Lee,  “For older adults, it’s essential for a digital coaching app to offer a variety of workouts suitable for all levels of fitness. This ensures that there is something for everyone, from low-impact exercises like yoga and Pilates to high-intensity workouts like aerobics and strength training.” She adds, “Additionally, some seniors may need more specific guidance and visual cues showing correct form, while others may be more advanced exercisers and want increasingly challenging exercises.”

The Best Fitness Routines for Seniors

For optimal physical and mental health, seniors should engage in a well-rounded exercise regimen. According to the National Institute on Aging, seniors’ fitness routines should include four types of physical activity:

1. Aerobic exercise such as brisk walking, dancing, swimming, or cycling, strengthens the heart and lungs, improving oxygen delivery to the body’s tissues.
2. Strength training with resistance exercises like weightlifting or bodyweight exercises help build and maintain muscle mass and bone density. This reduces the risk of osteoporosis and frailty.
3. Flexibility and stretching exercises promote supple muscles and joints, enhancing mobility and reducing injury risk.
4. Balance exercises are important to help prevent falls, a common problem in older adults that can have serious consequences. 

With over 8,000 on-demand classes across 15 categories, Aaptiv allows seniors to mix up their workouts and find the right balance between cardio, strength, and flexibility training.

An AI Fitness App Game-changer for Seniors

The potential impact of AI and digital coaching on seniors’ health is profound. Older adults can take charge of their physical health and well-being, transforming their lives through on-demand fitness, right in the palm of their hands. 

Aaptiv’s improved digital audio and video fitness app features “SmartCoach,” an AI-driven personal trainer. Ideal for seniors (and everyone else) “SmartCoach” crafts personalized and adaptable workout plans for users, tracking progress and capturing insights in the app.

1. Ramakrishna, S., “States with the Most Tech-Savvy Seniors”, Seniorly.com, 2023.  Bleier, T., “More than 1 in 3 Seniors Started Gaming Due to the Pandemic, and they Love Candy Crush”, thegamer.com, 2021.