[This is the second in a series of articles by guest blogger Erin Eleuterio on the topic of Health & Fitness Professionals. Be sure to check out the other articles!]
Working as a health and fitness professional and catering to the over-50 population is a fulfilling career path filled with abundant opportunities. Senior living communities value the presence of skilled health and fitness experts who can lead exercise and wellness sessions. This demand is fueled by the continuous expansion of the over 50 demographic, with Baby Boomers enjoying longer, active lives, and the entire GenX generation by 2030. This mature population is increasingly health-conscious and possesses the financial means to invest in services that enhance their overall well-being. Consequently, there is a compelling need for fitness professionals to serve this older adult population, driven by a multitude of significant factors:
Health and Well-Being: The majority of adults aren’t meeting the physical activity guidelines to stay healthy and sedentary behavior is most prevalent for those over 65. The lack of physical activity contributes to health challenges such as reduction in muscle mass, bone density, and flexibility. Fitness professionals can design tailored exercise programs to improve these aspects, promoting better overall health and reducing the risk of chronic conditions like osteoporosis and heart disease.
Improve Resilience to Falls: Fitness professionals can help individuals retain muscle mass and improve bone health, bolstering their resilience to getting injured from a fall. Furthermore, specialized balance training equips adults with the adaptability and stability necessary to navigate various terrains with confidence. As individuals witness noticeable enhancements in their balance and strength, their confidence in their ability to effectively prevent falls and recover from them is improved.
Functional Independence: Helping older adults maintain their physical abilities and functional independence is crucial. Fitness professionals can focus on exercises that enhance balance, mobility, and strength, which are essential for performing daily tasks and help older adults avoid the need to stay at assisted living facilities.
Mental Health and Cognitive Function: Physical activity has been linked to improved mental health and cognitive function. Fitness professionals can create exercise routines that not only strengthen the body but also stimulate the mind, potentially reducing the risk of conditions like dementia and depression. Research has shown that exercise plays an important role in helping to reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
Social Interaction: Loneliness and social isolation can be significant issues for older adults. Group fitness classes and personal training sessions provide opportunities for social interaction, fostering a sense of community and emotional well-being. In an interview with Diana McNeill, a Bone Health exercise coach, she stated one of the primary reasons she started her business was to build a community to help address the loneliness epidemic.
Programs that work: There are numerous turnkey programs offering training and/or certifications that have been shown to improve the health, well-being, and physical abilities of older adults, from fall prevention programs like Stepping On to Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery programs. As a health and fitness professional, you’ll have the chance to deliver these life-changing programs and help people improve their health and achieve their fitness goals.
Becoming a fitness professional can take just months to get certified. To learn more about becoming a health and fitness professional, listen to the Second Act Fit Pros podcast episode, “How to Become a Fitness Professional” or attend a free, live, online event, held every month “The Ultimate Part-Time Job for Active & Healthy Adults Over 50.” By entering this field, you can play a vital role in promoting the health, independence, and overall well-being of older adults, helping them maintain physical and mental health, improve their quality of life, and stay active and engaged in their communities.
Erin Eleuterio is an experienced fitness professional working with older adults and host of the Second Act Fit Pros podcast. Her podcast highlights the lives of individuals working in health and fitness in their second act and those that are dedicated to improving the quality of life for mature adults through movement and improved health. Click here to sign up for the Second Act Fit Pros newsletter to get information on upcoming, interactive, online events on how to become a health and fitness professional.
