Exercise Attitudes and Behaviors: A Survey of Adults Age 50-79 - Aarp

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Key Findings Most Americans age 50-79 have exercised “fairly regularly” (34%) or “occasionally” (38%) during the course of their lives. • A link clearly exists between regular exercise and health. Close to two-thirds (63%) of those in “very good” health have exercised “regularly” or “fairly regularly” throughout life. Correspondingly, two thirds (66%) of those in “fair” or “poor” health have either never exercised regularly, or have done so only occasionally. Healthy people are most satisfied with their lives • Two-thirds (64%) of Americans 50-79 are “very satisfied” with their lives and an additional 26% are “somewhat satisfied.” • The vast majority (80%) of persons in “very good” health say they are “very satisfied” with their lives. In marked contrast, fewer than half (38%) of those in “fair” or “poor” health agree. Americans 50-79 are a physically active group of people • Six in ten Americans age 50-79 (59%) are physically active on a regular basis, with 47% not only saying they are currently active but that they have been active for a year or longer. • Those saying they are in only “fair” or “poor” health are significantly more likely to say they do not currently engage in any regular physical activity (47% versus 18% for those in “very good/good” health). Many reasons for exercising… • There is not one reason that stands out as the primary motivation for exercising among 50-79 year-olds. Rather, it is a combination of factors that ultimately leads to the decision to work out. • Health benefits, improved appearance, personal satisfaction, and the opportunity to have fun and socialize are all major reasons. …and many for not • Just as there are many reasons why adults age 50-79 do exercise, nonexercisers also have many reasons for not doing so—health problems, not feeling like it, travel, time constraints, poor location or surroundings, and inexperience are all major reasons for some. © 2002 AARP Page 9
Key Findings Exercise takes many forms • Walking (88%) and moderate physical activity (83%) are the most popular forms of exercise during a typical week among adults 50-79. • Sizeable numbers also participate in vigorous activities (41%) and do things to increase muscle tone or strength (32%). • Moderate and vigorous activities vary widely—as substantial percentages walk, do yard work, clean house, or play sports to get in their exercise. Most are aware that community-based exercise programs and services exist for people their age • Two in three (67%) say there are at least “some” programs in their community. • One in six (15%) are currently participating in such programs; nearly half (42%) have at some time in their lives. • Weight lifting/strength training (31%) and aerobics (22%) are the most popular community-based exercise programs. • Reasons people have stopped taking or have never taken advantage of community programs range from health reasons to preferring to exercise in private to finding the facilities too inconveniently located. Americans 50-79 have different views when it comes to staying fit and living a healthy lifestyle. The results of a multivariate segmentation analysis reveals that they tend to fall into one of six groups: Socializers: Tend to be male, younger than average, and exercise regularly to have fun, be with friends—and improve their sex lives. Threequarters are “very satisfied” with life—the highest proportion among all segments. Maintainers: Includes both men and women, many in their 50’s, who take a practical and relatively narrow approach—exercising to stay healthy and fit. They are especially likely to be in “very good” health (47%). Mind & Body: Women of all ages fit into this group, a segment that takes an overall approach to exercise—they exercise not only to stay in shape, but for emotional and psychological reasons as well. They are the most likely to be in “very good” health (55%). © 2002 AARP Page 10
Page 2 and 3: Exercise Attitudes and Behaviors: A
Page 4 and 5: © 2002 AARP Table of Contents Tabl
Page 6 and 7: Introduction and Method Overview In
Page 8 and 9: About RoperASW Introduction and Met
Page 12 and 13: Key Findings The Infirm: This group
Page 14 and 15: Perceived Importance of Various Exe
Page 16 and 17: Attitudes and Knowledge Regarding E
Page 18 and 19: Attitudes and Knowledge Regarding E
Page 20 and 21: Base: Total respondents Self-Rated
Page 22 and 23: Characteristics of the Healthy •
Page 24 and 25: Characteristics of the Healthy Heal
Page 26 and 27: Characteristics of the Healthy Perc
Page 28 and 29: Frequency Have Exercised Throughout
Page 30 and 31: Frequency Have Exercised Throughout
Page 32 and 33: Characteristics of the Healthy Whet
Page 34 and 35: Whether Have Ever Smoked (by Gender
Page 36 and 37: Overall Satisfaction With Life Char
Page 38 and 39: Overall Satisfaction With Life (by
Page 40 and 41: Current Physical Activity Among Ame
Page 42 and 43: Types/Frequency of Exercise Current
Page 44 and 45: Specific Physical Activities Engage
Page 46 and 47: Types of Moderate Exercise Current
Page 48 and 49: Types of Vigorous Exercise Current
Page 50 and 51: Where Exercise Current Physical Act
Page 52 and 53: IV. Exercise Motivators Major Reaso
Page 54 and 55: Major Reasons Exercise - % Who Say
Page 56 and 57: Chief Motivators to Start Exercise
Page 58 and 59: Exercise Motivators Interest In Var
Page 60 and 61:
Interest In Acquiring Various Exerc
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Inexperience/Lack of Knowledge Barr
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Physical Conditions Which Interfere
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Barriers to Exercise Barriers to Ex
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Exercise Opportunities In Local Com
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Focus on “Socializers” Attitude
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Mind & Body Attitudes Toward Health
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The Infirm Attitudes Toward Health
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Unmotivateds Attitudes Toward Healt
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Hectics Attitudes Toward Health and
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Demography: Base: Total respondents
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Section 1: Introduction and Screene
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5 Appendix A: Annotated Questionnai
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8 9 7A Appendix A: Annotated Questi
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10B 10C 10D Appendix A: Annotated Q
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11B 11C 11D Appendix A: Annotated Q
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12B Appendix A: Annotated Questionn
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15 You don’t have a safe place to
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D9. D10. Appendix A: Annotated Ques
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Appendix A: Annotated Questionnaire
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Section 3: Programs and Services in
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Exercise Attitudes and Behaviors: A Survey of Adults Age 50-79 - Aarp

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