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

Maintainers
Attitudes Toward Health and Fitness:
A Multivariate Segmentation
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%).
Most have been regularly active for at least a year (76%). One in four
(24%), however, just started in the past six months.
Major reasons they exercise include:
• Improving overall health (92%)
• Increasing fitness level (86%)
• Increasing energy level (78%)
• Preventing disease (73%).
Base: Total respondents
Profile of “Maintainers”
(by Segment)
Socia- Main- Mind & Unmoti-
lizers tainers Body Infirm vateds Hectics
% % % % % %
“Major” reasons exercise:
Improving your overall health 78 92 89 NA NA NA
Increasing your fitness level 68 86 81 NA NA NA
Increasing your energy level 70 78 73 NA NA NA
Preventing disease 63 73 75 NA NA NA
“I’m going to read a list of benefits people say they get from exercise. For each, please
tell me whether you feel it is a major reason, a minor reason, or not really a reason you
exercise.” (Q.13)
Source: First wave
© 2002 AARP Page 82