Does going to the gym fill you with dread or delight? If you ask today’s older adults, the answer is increasingly the latter. More and more people over 65 are making exercise a priority, according to data that shows the number of gym memberships among people in this age bracket increased by 34 percent between 2010 and 2019.
After decades of fitness culture focused only on the young, folks in retirement are getting wise to the perks of working out in a structured environment. Here’s a look at what’s driving the shift toward functional fitness classes, weightlifting, and more among older Americans—and how you can best support your gym routine if you’re in this age group.
- ABOUT OUR EXPERTS: Jaqueline Gavino, M.P.H., C.H.E.S., is an exercise physiologist at the Pritikin Longevity Center. Dr. John Hinson, M.D., is an orthopedic surgeon.
Why More Older Adults Are Prioritizing Fitness
Though your grandma may never have hopped on a treadmill or busted any kickboxing moves, the aging adults of the 21st century are operating with more reliable health information than generations past—and it’s motivating them to make fitness a top goal.
“Older adults today are more aware of the powerful connection between movement and healthspan, the number of years they can live independently and free of chronic disease,” says Jaqueline Gavino, M.P.H., C.H.E.S., an exercise physiologist at the Pritikin Longevity Center. “As the baby boomer generation enters retirement, they’re redefining what aging looks like, with a focus on vitality, energy, and maintaining physical and cognitive function.”
Upticks in age-inclusive fitness programs have made gym workouts more accessible to older people, while public health campaigns and online culture have fueled the shift toward active aging. “Social media has played a surprising role—showcasing people in their 60s, 70s, and beyond embracing strength training, walking challenges, and mobility work,” Gavino says. “Staying fit has become a lifestyle, not a phase.”
The Benefits of Movement Later in Life
In your later years, there’s hardly an area of wellness that working out doesn’t positively impact. The health benefits of a gym membership make that monthly fee totally worthwhile (assuming you use it regularly).
For starters, sticking to an exercise routine is a great move for cardiovascular health. “Cardio workouts improve heart and lung health and function,” says orthopedic surgeon Dr. John Hinson, M.D. “These improvements lead to decreased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and high blood pressure—diseases that increase in prevalence as we age.”
Another important plus for people in their later years: improved cognitive function. Hinson says both cardio and strength training improve brain function by increasing blood flow to the vital organ. “This improved function supports better memory, attention, and mental processing,” he shares. Regular exercise is also associated with a lower risk of dementia in aging adults. A 2025 study found that people who exercised for 140 minutes or more per week had up to a 69 percent lower risk of dementia.
Your bones and joints may also thank you for keeping up with your workouts. Research has shown that exercises that combine aerobics, resistance, and balance may improve bone mineral density, especially in older women. Stronger bone density lessens the risk of fractures in aging adults, says Hinson.
And don’t forget the importance of preserving your muscle mass! “Strength training becomes essential with age to combat natural muscle loss (sarcopenia), maintain strength (reducing something called dynapenia), and improve joint stability—all of which lower the risk of falls,” Gavino notes.
Read More: How to Avoid Muscle Loss As You Age
All told, the manifold health benefits of exercise could ultimately contribute to your ability to live independently for longer. According to 2024 research, physical activity is a major factor in whether older adults maintain their independence.
How to Stick with an Exercise Routine As You Age
Of course, these benefits are most powerful when you exercise consistently. For older adults, factors like fatigue, health complaints, and limited mobility can make committed gym-going tougher than for younger populations. According to Gavino, research highlights three pillars that support exercise adherence in older adults: community, confidence, and personalization.
For creating community, she recommends group classes. Research from the American Council on Exercise shows that the climate of a fitness class (such as its sense of inclusivity and social support) can make or break whether older adults stick with it. Look for fitness classes “where everybody knows your name”—or will at least notice if you miss a session or two.
Identifying types of exercise you feel confident in can also help you maintain gym attendance. “Studies show that when older adults exercise with others and feel confident in their ability to complete a workout, they’re significantly more likely to stick with it,” Gavino says.
Unsure how to use the more intimidating machines at the gym? Ask an employee for a tutorial. Or better yet, if budget allows, try a session with a personal trainer. Some gyms even offer an intro session as part of your membership. That’s an important perk, since affordability is another make-or-break fitness factor for older adults, according to Hinson.
Read More: ‘Why Personal Training Is So Worth the Expense to Me’
Finally, remember to personalize your workouts to keep things interesting. This might look like trying a new class (with a friend for moral support!) or mixing up free weights with machine-based weights.
The Best Supplements to Support Fitness in Older Age
Just like the right shoes or yoga props can support your workout performance as an older adult, so, too, can the right dietary supplements. Though there’s no one-size-fits-all regimen for every active person, experts say there are several to consider. A few possibilities include:
- Vitamin D: Studies show the sunshine vitamin may increase muscle strength and physical performance in older people.
- Calcium: “Calcium is essential for maintaining bone strength and density,” says Hinson. “Low calcium levels are directly related to the development of osteoporosis and increased risk for fracture.”
- Vitamin B12: Older people face a higher risk of vitamin B12 deficiency. Since B12 plays an important role in energy production and nerve health, Hinson says it’s a helpful option for combating fatigue.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: This group of healthy fats may support heart health, brain function, and muscle recovery, making them a smart addition to an active aging routine.
- Magnesium: Some studies show magnesium could increase muscle strength in older people.
- Creatine: Creatine may help support muscle strength and subsequently reduce the risk of falls.
Just remember that supplements aren’t a replacement for a balanced diet and be sure to ask your doctor before starting any new ones. This is especially important if you take prescription medications, as nearly seven in 10 older adults do.
This article was reviewed by Brian Tanzer, nutritionist and Director of Scientific and Regulatory Affairs at The Vitamin Shoppe.