Older adults are often told to "slow down and take it easy." But in reality, if they want to live a strong, independent, and fulfilling life, staying active is essential. In fact, research shows that adults over 50 lose approximately 1–2% of muscle mass each year if they don’t engage in resistance training, leading to increased risk of falls, functional decline, and loss of independence. And yet, nearly 28% of adults over 65 report no physical activity outside of their job in the past month, according to the CDC.

As people age, they naturally lose muscle mass, making strength training and regular movement all the more critical. As fitness professionals, we know that movement isn’t just good for seniors, it’s necessary to help them continue doing the things they love and maintain their independence.

So how do we create fitness programs that not only attract older adults in the first place but also encourage them to keep coming back with enthusiasm?

We recently hosted a webinar, From Excuses to Enthusiasm: Boosting Senior Fitness Participation and Retention, by Dr. Aaron Aslakson. In this webinar, Dr. Aslakson draws on years of experience in the senior fitness and exercise science space to offer both insight and action. The message is clear: engagement doesn’t come from just offering programs—it comes from designing experiences that foster confidence, social connection, and a deep sense of purpose.

The following blog is derived from that session. Let’s take a look at how to turn passive interest into persistent participation.

Why Older Adults Skip Fitness Programs - and How to Change That

Participation is not just about physical access or ability. It’s a psychological choice driven by perceived value, beliefs, confidence, and environmental factors. Older adults weigh many personal and social considerations before stepping into a fitness center or committing to a program. Their "decisional balance" often includes past experiences, generational expectations (such as outdated views that seniors should "take it easy"), and social or emotional rewards.

Dr. Aslakson shared several well-established psychological models that can guide our approach to senior engagement:

• The Health Belief Model helps us understand that older adults weigh the risks of inactivity—like losing mobility or falling—against the benefits of exercise. If they don’t perceive a strong benefit, they’re less likely to act.
• Social Cognitive Theory shows that behavior is shaped by interactions between people and their environment. If someone sees a peer thrive in a fitness class, they may be more inclined to try it themselves.
• Self-Efficacy Theory underscores that a person’s confidence in their ability to succeed is a powerful predictor of long-term adherence. If they believe they can succeed, even if it’s just a chair yoga class, they’re much more likely to show up and stay involved.

These models help explain why older adults may hesitate to start a program and what it takes to keep them engaged.

Top Barriers to Senior Fitness Participation (and How to Remove Them)

Despite the best intentions, many wellness programs struggle to consistently engage older adults. The issue isn’t always the quality of the programming. It’s the number of roadblocks that exist before and after someone walks through the door. Understanding these barriers is the first step to overcoming them.

Some obstacles come from the organizational side: outdated or hard-to-use equipment, lack of designated space for senior-specific classes, or limited funding and staffing. In senior living communities, competing activities can also divide attention and commitment.

But the most persistent barriers often lie with the participants themselves, and they’re not always visible. Older adults may face:

• Health limitations or a fear of injury, especially falls
• Low confidence in their physical ability or uncertainty about where to start
• Lack of transportation or mobility issues that make reaching the fitness center difficult
• Social hesitations, especially for those who didn’t grow up with a culture of fitness
• Generational beliefs that they’re “too old” to begin something new

Even more challenging is that many of these are perceived barriers, meaning they may not be objectively true—but they still hold people back. And in the eyes of the participant, that perception is their reality.

As Dr. Aslakson emphasized, “Whether the barrier is real or perceived doesn’t change the fact that it needs to be addressed.” If someone believes they can’t do it, or that they don’t belong in a fitness space, they won’t show up. Ultimately, the goal is to shift the narrative from “I can’t do this” to “I can’t afford to miss this.”

Struggling to engage Older Adults in Fitness? 

Book a free consultation to learn how HUR's strength training technology helps wellness teams drive engagement and retention.

Senior Fitness Engagement: FAQs for Wellness Directors

How can I increase participation in my senior fitness program?

Start with low-barrier entry points like chair-based or beginner classes, foster social connection, and use equipment designed for older adults. Track progress to keep participants motivated and engaged.

Why don’t older adults participate in fitness programs?

Barriers include health concerns, fear of injury, lack of confidence, transportation challenges, or cultural beliefs that they’re “too old” to exercise. Many of these are perceived but still powerful.

What motivates older adults to exercise regularly?

Purpose-driven goals (like maintaining independence), social interaction, progress tracking, and personalized attention help older adults stay committed.

What are the best equipment features for senior fitness centers?

Look for equipment that offers low starting resistance, small incremental adjustments, safety features, and tools that track progress, such as HUR’s pneumatic resistance machines with SmartTouch technology.

Next Steps: How to Improve Senior Fitness Participation in Your Community

Now that we’ve identified the underlying barriers to participation, how do we actually address them?

Read Part 2: 8 Proven Strategies to Increase Participation in Senior Fitness Programs to learn actionable techniques that wellness directors and fitness professionals can implement today.

At HUR USA, we help senior living communities overcome participation and retention challenges with pneumatic strength equipment, automated progress tracking, and easy-to-use solutions that make fitness safer, more approachable, and more motivating for older adults.

Book a free consultation or download our must-have equipment checklist to get started