People are living longer than ever before, and they’re recognizing that staying active and strong well past retirement age is essential for maintaining their quality of life.

A recent ACE Fitness report focused heavily on the benefits of exercise for healthy aging. While there’s no one solution that will work for everyone, there are a few take-aways from this report that we consider mandates for clubs with an active senior member population.

Promote HIIT to combat brain aging, depression

The February 2020 Club Industry Trends Report reveals that HIIT is, once again, one of the hottest commodities in the group exercise sphere. The benefits of high-intensity training aren’t lost on older adults. In fact, the ACE report quotes a McMasters University study that concludes HIIT workouts could be a secret weapon against age-related memory loss. In that 12-week study, the high-intensity exercise group saw significant short-term memory improvement, while moderate- and low-intensity groups did not. A study in the American Journal of Physiology-Cell Physiology also points to the power of exercise to help prevent depression in those over the age of 65.

Encourage cardio to fight heart disease

French researchers found that a diagnosis of coronary artery disease can’t compete with exercise, no matter how late in life it’s pursued. That study, published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology, followed 700 coronary artery disease patients in three cohorts: 65 and younger, 65 to 80, and 80+. Out of all three groups, those who exercised regularly during the 2-year study saw significant gains in their cardiovascular health, proving that even a dire diagnosis like coronary artery disease can see positive results from regular, purposeful exercise.

Offer resistance training to improve quality of life

The National Strength and Conditioning Association recently revised its position on seniors and resistance training, citing studies that show increased muscle mass improves functional strength. That, in turn, improves the quality of life and injury prevention for everyone, at any age.

The take-away? Change your approach

This body of research on healthy aging and exercise is a call to action for fitness centers to be more inclusive with programming and community outreach. If your fitness center struggles to provide workouts that challenge and enhance the lives of senior members, it might be time to rethink your approach.

An award-winning health and fitness consultancy, for the last 25 years Aquila has been creating, managing, designing and implementing innovative health and wellness solutions for private and public organizations and all age groups. Learn more about what Aquila can do for your senior members by contacting us at info@aquilaltd.com.