In 2012, there was an estimated population of 43.1 million adults age 65 and older in the United States (Census, 2012). That number is expected to nearly double by 2050 when the population of adults 65 and over is projected to be 83.7 million. The baby boomers, born between 1946 and 1964, are largely responsible for this increase in the older population, as they began turning 65 in 2011 (Ortman, Velkoff, Howard, Hogan, May 2014). The Baby Boomer population is now aging into SilverSneakers member benefits and is a growing segment of the fitness center population.
Projections and Distribution of the Total Population by Age for the United States: 2012 to 2050 (Numbers in percentage)
Age
2012
2020
2030
2040
2050
Under 18 years
23.5
22.8
22.4
21.7
21.5
18 to 64 years
62.8
60.4
57.3
57.3
57.6
65 years and over
13.7
16.8
20.3
21.0
20.9
65 to 69 years
4.5
5.4
5.6
4.8
5.0
70 to 74 years
3.2
4.4
5.2
4.6
4.4
75 to 79 years
2.4
3.0
4.1
4.4
3.8
80 to 84 years
1.8
1.9
2.9
3.6
3.2
85 years and over
1.9
2.0
2.5
3.7
4.5
While many SilverSneakers members are 65 or older, age is simply a number. You are only as old as you feel. Many eligible participants have enjoyed an active lifestyle. You will find great diversity in older adults’ physical fitness levels. Therefore, fitness programs must be responsive to the changing needs of older adults by providing a wide range of exercise options.
Our signature classes cater to a wide range of skills and abilities, BOOM MIND targets active older adults. The audience for MIND is those seeking a moderate-intensity, mind-body exercise class without the rigor and strain of a mainstream fitness class offering. Participants should not need a chair for support and may be interested in floor-based exercises. These participants may be younger, more active, older adults.