Older Adults Stick to Fitness Routines When They Work Out Together

According to a study in Health Psychology by researchers from the University of British Columbia, seniors are more likely to stick to workout routines when they exercise with people their own age, reports ScienceDaily . The study involved 627 adults with an average age of 72. These adults participated in exercise classes for 12 weeks, and had the option to extend their participation for another 12 weeks after the study. The participants were divided into three groups: a group with consistent age and gender, a group with consistent age and varied gender, and a third group that exercised in typical classes. The researchers found that participants who exercised with people their own age attended more classes than participants from the mixed age group. Researchers say this knowledge could help retirement communities, gyms, and community centers optimize their workout programs for older adults.