Increasing Fitness and Building Connections to Tackle Loneliness
One of the lasting lessons from the pandemic is how deeply loneliness continues to affect people—even as daily life has largely returned to normal. According to a 2023 advisory from the U.S. Surgeon General, the country is facing a loneliness epidemic. And while social isolation during COVID-19 brought the issue to light, loneliness—especially among older adults—has been a public health concern for years.
Loneliness and Its Health Impact
In January 2023, the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging asked a sample of U.S. older adults aged 50 to 80 how often they felt lonely or socially isolated. One in three (34%) polled reported feeling lonely some of the time during the previous year. Similarly, 29% said during the previous year they felt isolated some of the time.
What makes this such a pressing concern is the adverse effect chronic loneliness and social isolation can have on an older adult’s mental, cognitive and physical health as well as their general well-being and longevity.
An Opportunity for Fitness Centers and Clubs
There’s a wealth of evidence about the benefits of exercise for older adults in improving their physical and mental well-being. There is also research that validates the positive impact exercise – especially group exercise – has on reducing social isolation and loneliness.
Here’s where fitness centers and clubs can step in and become vital community hubs that not only support older adults’ physical health and emotional well-being but help build social connections for them as well.
Sounds easy as opening their front doors, right? Unfortunately, not so. The fact is that older adults are underrepresented in fitness settings. According to the Health & Fitness Association (HFA), “Baby Boomers (those born between 1946 and1964) are the least represented age group in clubs.” There are several reasons why older adults resist joining gyms, including:
- They’re intimidated by traditional gym environments or complicated equipment
- They’re self–conscious about their age, ability, or fitness level
- They’re worried about injuring themselves
Creating a Welcoming Space
Overcoming these barriers starts with creating an environment where older adults feel safe, seen, and supported. A welcoming atmosphere that encourages engagement and connection — paired with age-friendly programming and a knowledgeable staff — can make a lasting impact.
Offering exercise equipment that can accommodate the varying needs of older adults is also key to creating a welcoming environment. Low-impact, easy-to-use machines, such as NuStep’s line of inclusive fitness equipment including recumbent cross trainers, upper body ergometers and recumbent bikes provide safe, effective exercise and can help build confidence in users new to fitness.
More Than Exercise—A Sense of Belonging
At their best, fitness centers and clubs become more than just a place for older adults to work out. They also become a gathering place for them to engage with the outside world. When older adults feel like they’re part of something, when staff greet them by name and peers encourage their progress, that sense of belonging can be as powerful as the workout itself.
By focusing on inclusive fitness and meaningful connections, fitness centers and clubs can help older adults move more, connect more, and ultimately, feel less alone. And that’s a win for everyone.
