Since 2006, the American College of Sports Medicine has supported a survey of health and fitness professionals . The survey identifies fitness trends.

The 2012 survey was completed by 3,346 health and fitness professionals worldwide. It appeared in the American College of Sports Medicine’s Health & Fitness Journal, November/December 2012 - Volume 16 - Issue 6 - p 8–17


The following caught my eye.

Trend #6 [for 2013]
Fitness Programs for Older Adults

"The concern for the health of aging adults has been consistently at the top of the survey. The baby boom generation is now aging into retirement, and because they may have more discretionary money than their younger counterparts, fitness clubs should capitalize on this exponentially growing market. Fitness programs for older adults will remain a strong trend for 2013. It is assumed that people who are retired not only typically have greater sums of discretionary money but they also have a tendency to spend it more wisely and may have more time to engage in an exercise program. Health and fitness professionals can take advantage of this growing population of retired persons by providing age-appropriate exercise programs. The highly active older adult (the athletic old) also can be targeted by commercial and community-based organizations to participate in more rigorous exercise programs, including strength training and team sports. Even the frail elderly can improve his or her ability to perform activities of daily living when provided appropriate functional fitness activities. Health and fitness professionals should consider developing fitness programs for people of retirement age. "


Some might find the marketing language a little harsh in its candor.

View the entire survey report.

Here is a rendering of one of Lappset's playgrounds for elders. As far as I can tell, Lappset is the only company in the world manufacturing composite, connected playstructures for elders.

This is now available in the US.

This unit includes 17 "fitness events" designed to promote balance, range of motion, muscle strength, cardio-respiratory, coordination, and more.


We would like to know what you think. Please send us your comments.

I recently learned about Finland's national program to promote physical exercise by elders. It is quite inspiring.

It is definitely worth a read, and you can download it here.