In the most comprehensive consultation on the fitness and leisure sector for the over-55s to date, more than 100 adults aged 55 to 90 took part in focus groups and gave their verdict on current practice.

The Life In Our Years report, carried out by the ukactive Research Institute in partnership with EGYM, is designed to help reverse the trend of older adults being underrepresented in gyms, leisure centres and pools.

Covid-19 has widened health inequalities and been particularly damaging for vulnerable groups, including older adults. It has also exacerbated the pressures on the NHS and social care in the UK, meaning that more than ever, fitness and leisure facilities have an essential role to play in reducing the burden on health systems.

Despite the known benefits of regular exercise, only 54 per cent of adults over the age of 55 complete the recommended 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity per week. Just over a third (34 per cent) complete less than 30 minutes per week and are therefore classified as inactive.

By investigating the sector’s current offer alongside older adults’ perception of these services, the ukactive Research Institute was able to build insights to help the sector encourage more older adults to take part in physical activity.

The main themes to emerge were: accessibility, atmosphere, the importance of social interaction, workforce engagement, promotion, the categorisation of programmes and class offerings, and long-term physical health support following the pandemic.

Based on the themes, ukactive has produced nine recommendations for operators to improve participation levels among older adults and to play an increased role in improving the health and wellbeing of the older population.

1. Make activity easy and accessible.
2. Focus on strength as early as possible to maintain independence.
3. Create and build an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere to increase likelihood of repeat usage and foster a sense of belonging and community.
4. Make activity more social to incentivise people to come through your doors.
5. Prepare the workforce to support health needs specific of the older adult through developing their interpersonal and communication skills and knowledge of common health conditions.
6. Categorise activities by ability or intensity, not by age.
7. Make communication and promotion clear to help build consumer confidence and help them make informed activity decisions.
8. Consider the changed physical and mental health needs of older adults post-Covid-19.
9. Build an evidence base to understand the impact the sector is having on older adults’ health and attract investment into the sector.