Wellness Through Group Exercise: Building Community and Health for Older Adults

As we enter our golden years, staying active becomes even more crucial for maintaining overall health and wellbeing. While individual exercise routines can be effective, there's something uniquely beneficial about participating in a group exercise class — especially for older adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only 26.4% of adults meet the guidelines for both aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities, highlighting the need for more engaging wellness programs. Group classes offer a range of physical, social, and psychological benefits that can make staying active more enjoyable, motivating, and rewarding.

The power of movement at every age is vital for wellness, and we encourage older adults to explore the advantages of group exercise classes. Whether you're looking to improve strength, mobility, balance, or simply want to enjoy a more active lifestyle, group exercise like our Legends Programme can be the perfect fit for your wellness journey.

Wellness Benefits: Motivation and Accountability in Group Settings

One of the biggest hurdles to maintaining an exercise routine, especially as we get older, is staying motivated. Group exercise classes provide built-in accountability that enhances overall wellness. When you know you'll be joining a group, there's a natural incentive to show up, engage, and push yourself. Research from the National Institute on Aging shows that structured group activities significantly improve adherence to exercise programs among older adults. Plus, the sense of camaraderie and mutual encouragement in a group setting can make exercise feel less like a chore and more like a fun social activity that contributes to your overall wellness.

Read more: Active Ageing - Singapore

Social Wellness: Improved Connections Through Group Exercise

Exercise is not just about physical health; it's also about mental and emotional wellbeing. Group exercise classes provide an opportunity for older adults to socialize, meet new people, and build friendships. According to the National Academies of Sciences, approximately 24% of community-dwelling adults aged 65 and older are socially isolated, and 43% of adults aged 60 and older report feeling lonely. Regular interactions in a supportive group setting can help reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness, which are common among older adults. The social aspect of group classes adds a sense of community that can make exercise more enjoyable and something to look forward to, significantly enhancing overall wellness.

Professional Wellness Support: Expert Supervision and Guidance

In group exercise classes, particularly those designed for older adults' wellness, you're led by qualified instructors who can offer expert advice on form, technique, and modifications. This ensures that you're exercising safely and effectively. Having a trained professional guide you through each session reduces the risk of injury and helps you get the most out of every movement. In our Legends Programme, our classes are run by physiotherapists who understand the unique wellness needs of older adults. They can provide modifications to exercises, making them suitable for different fitness levels and/or existing health conditions.

Holistic Wellness: Variety and Fun in Exercise Programs

Doing the same exercises day after day can get monotonous, but in a group class setting, there's always variety that keeps your wellness routine fresh. Classes are often structured with a mix of different movements, exercises, and challenges that keep things exciting. This variety can also help target different muscle groups, improve cardiovascular health, and boost overall fitness. Whether it's a gentle yoga class, a low-impact aerobics session, or a strength-building workout, group classes offer something for everyone seeking comprehensive wellness.

Read more: Legends - Exercise Class for the Elderly

Mental Wellness: Boosted Mental Health and Wellbeing

Exercise has long been associated with improved mental health, and group exercise can amplify these wellness benefits. Participating in a class can reduce stress, improve mood, and increase overall feelings of wellbeing. Physical activity triggers the release of endorphins, often referred to as the "feel-good" hormones, which can have a significant positive effect on mental health. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), regular physical activity combined with social interaction can reduce depression and anxiety symptoms in older adults. For older adults, this boost to mental wellness can improve quality of life and help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Emotional Wellness: Supportive and Encouraging Environment

For older adults, the fear of injury or not being able to keep up with others can sometimes prevent them from attending exercise classes. However, group settings, especially those tailored to older adults' wellness needs, are often more supportive and understanding. Instructors and fellow participants are generally encouraging, and there's no pressure to perform at the same level as others. Everyone is there to improve their health and wellness, and the environment fosters a sense of belonging and mutual support. Studies from Michigan Medicine show that supportive group environments significantly reduce feelings of isolation among older adults.

Comprehensive Wellness: Health Benefits Tailored to Older Adults

Group classes specifically designed for older adults' wellness often focus on the unique needs and challenges of ageing. These programs are structured to help optimize joint health, reduce stiffness, and increase muscle mass. The CDC reports that regular physical activity offers ten important immediate and long-term benefits for adults 65 and older, including reduced risk of chronic diseases, improved mental health, and better cognitive function. For older adults, regular exercise is essential for managing chronic conditions like arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease. By joining a group class, participants can tailor their fitness routines to their own health needs, helping them maintain a better quality of life and comprehensive wellness as they age.

Conclusion: Embracing Wellness Through Community Exercise

Physical activity is a lifelong journey toward wellness. For older adults, group exercise classes provide not just a way to stay fit, but an opportunity to engage with others, gain confidence, and improve overall health and wellness. Whether you're looking to build strength, improve mobility, reduce social isolation, or simply connect with others, group exercise classes offer a supportive and fun environment where you can truly move better, feel better, and thrive in your wellness journey.

The statistics are clear: regular group exercise can reduce fall risk by up to 42%, decrease social isolation affecting 24% of older adults, and provide the accountability needed to meet physical activity guidelines. With the guidance of trained professionals and the support of a caring community, you can achieve your wellness goals while enjoying the journey.

Group exercise can be a wonderful way to stay active and connected, but we recognize that each person’s situation is different. While most older adults benefit from group exercise, some may need additional support due to mobility challenges, pain, or ongoing health conditions. In such scenarios, some older adults may benefit more from our one-on-one physiotherapy services. 

If you're ready to explore the benefits of group exercise for your wellness, we'd love to help you get started with LEGENDS. Contact us today to learn more about our Legends Programme designed specifically for older adults seeking a comprehensive wellness program.