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

Exercise Motivators
• Similarly, close to six in ten (57%) exercise to “feel in control of their
lives.” Women are especially likely to do so (61% versus 53% of
men).
• Many exercisers gain personal pleasure from the increased fitness and
energy levels that come with physical activity. They are major reasons
for exercising, according to 72% and 69% of the respondents.
• Finally, about three in ten (28%) say the benefit of an improved sex
life is a major reason they continue to exercise. Men are particularly
likely to say this a major benefit (37% versus 20% of women), as are
50-59 year-olds (35% versus 19% of 70-79 year-olds).
Opportunity for Fun and Socializing
• Many Americans list chances to have fun and to socialize as major
reasons for exercising. About half (53%) say “having fun” is a major
reason, and one in three (34%) say socializing with others is an
important reason why they exercise.
• Interestingly, although most of the benefits mentioned previously were
similarly important across the age groups, having fun and socializing
is more important to adults as they get older. Adults age 70-79 are
notably more likely than their younger counterparts to say having fun
and socializing are major reasons for exercising.
© 2002 AARP Page 52