Only 13.9% of Americans 65 and Older Meet Exercise Guidelines as Active Aging Redefines Life After 60
Updated
Updated · WSB Atlanta · Jun 19
Only 13.9% of Americans 65 and Older Meet Exercise Guidelines as Active Aging Redefines Life After 60
1 articles · Updated · WSB Atlanta · Jun 19
Summary
Only 13.9% of Americans age 65 and older met both aerobic and muscle-strengthening guidelines in 2022, even as active aging gains traction as a model for staying healthy, connected, and independent after 60.
Active aging now extends beyond exercise to mobility, mental well-being, social ties, and continued participation in daily life through travel, volunteering, learning, and hobbies.
Strength training, swimming, cycling, yoga, screenings, wellness visits, physical therapy, and treatment for limiting joint pain are increasingly framed as ways to preserve function rather than simply treat illness.
Smartphones, fitness trackers, telehealth, medication reminder apps, and video calls are also helping older adults manage health, maintain independence, and stay socially engaged.
The broader shift is recasting later life from slowing down to sustaining purpose, routine, and everyday capability for as long as possible.