Older people and sports, one thinks first of gymnastics or cardiac sports groups. Rarely of gym, but why not? There are many new opportunities for them. In recent years, you hear the term "demographic change" everywhere. The population is changing, it is getting older. There are three main factors: immigration and emigration, the birth rate and the death rate. As fewer children are born and life expectancy increases in old age, the German population will inevitably change. This manifests itself in a wide variety of areas of life and politics. New opportunities are opening up for the sports and leisure industry.
Times are changing
Exercise is essential. More important than ever in old age. Decreasing performance limits us more and more. The body is changing and it is up to each person to decide how to deal with it. Many accept this condition and want to rest in old age. This promotes susceptibility to illness and reduces our independence. Regular exercise promotes our coordination skills and helps to prevent illness. The demands of everyday life can thus be coped with more easily. Appropriate facilities such as health centers or wellness and fitness studios can support us.
A new target group
For fitness studios, this change in the population structure is interesting. How can a studio use this to its advantage? What can a studio do to help keep health high in old age? A lot. Not every fitness studio fits this bill. The classic discounter usually doesn't offer the right equipment for health-oriented Strength training. Here, professional service providers from the health industry, premium fitness studios or sports and wellness facilities are more in demand.
Many older people are not aware of the importance of active exercise in old age. This is something that health care providers and municipalities need to work on in order to raise awareness among these people. There are several benefits to this for seniors. Increasing physical activity is an important protective factor against disease. Back problems and other aches and pains that occur in old age can be reduced or, in the best case, completely avoided through sport. The result is that we can go about our daily lives without a care in the world. So that one does not train alone in the fitness studios, the social component plays a role. Participating in social life and doing sports in groups promotes a zest for life and motivates people to continue. All these points speak in favor of an active lifestyle in combination with a health provider.
Likewise, for service providers in this area and the economy in general, there are aspects that bring benefits. Fitness studios have the opportunity to draw a new target group from this and generate more members. It is not only the people concerned who benefit from the increase in health. Decreases in absenteeism from work and therapy costs also bring benefits for the economy.
The right offer
An adapted concept is the be-all and end-all. Not every training program or fitness course is suitable for seniors. It's not about defining the body in Adonis fashion and winning the bodybuilder trophy at the next competition. Rather, it's about training the body to the point where it reduces the risk of disease and makes everyday life easier. Activities such as gymnastics, health sports, cardio and back training have been proven to be more in demand among seniors and the older generation. There are currently various manufacturers that supply the appropriate equipment. Among others brands like five, Dr. WOLFF, ERGO-FIT or milon offer many interesting products. It should not be forgotten that a trained staff is inevitable. Many do not start exercising until the problems are already present. Trainers must have the expertise to properly respond to the physical conditions that seniors bring with them.
Staying young through sports
Demographic change is already in full swing. Current immigration is lessening it a bit. Nevertheless, it is clear that Germany is aging. That is a fact. The question is, how does the population deal with it? Do we accept it and give in to the years, or do we want to feel young even as we age? The possibilities are there, they are just not known to everyone. Raising awareness and providing appropriate health centers are important and the first step. A healthy body lets you move through life feeling good and it is well known: You are only as old as you feel.
Editors fitnessmarkt.de (NJ)
Image Source: #203553855 © Mladen / Adobe Stock
Published on: 14 December 2018