according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, with the fastest-growing demographic being women over 60. While its appeal is partly due to ease of play and the social structure of doubles matches, what keeps participants coming back isn’t just the game—it’s the people. That social aspect isn’t incidental. A growing body of research underscores the role of community in extending both lifespan and healthspan. The Harvard Study of Adult Development—one of the longest-running studies of its kind—found that strong relationships are the best predictor of healthy aging, even more so than cholesterol levels or physical fitness alone. Meanwhile, a 2023 report from the U.S. Surgeon General declared loneliness and isolation to be a public health crisis, with risks comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Group fitness, then, does more than protect the heart and strengthen bones—it counters disconnection, one of the most pressing health threats facing older adults. Movement-based communities offer a unique form of connection, pairing regular physical activity with consistent social interaction. Studies from the National Institute on Aging show that group-based exercise programs are particularly effective for maintaining engagement among older adults, especially women, who may be more likely to seek emotionally supportive environments. Whether it’s a morning walking group, aqua aerobics at the local Y, or a community center offering strength training, the built-in rhythm of recurring classes fosters accountability, familiarity, and trust—all crucial components of long-term health. And the benefits extend well beyond mood and morale.
“THE TREND IS CLEAR: OLDER WOMEN ARE NOT RETREATING. THEY’RE SHOWING UP, SIGNING UP, AND STANDING UP FOR A VERSION OF AGING THAT’S VIBRANT, COLLECTIVE, AND —ABOVE ALL— ACTIVE.”
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