Joseph
Are you considering a career Working with the elderly? Maybe consider focusing on coaching or teaching fitness classes geared toward active seniors? Working with a population of 65 or older is challenging and rewarding, and it can be the boost you need to improve your skill set and take your business to the next level.
It is no secret that the world’s population is aging. This age wave creates widespread opportunities for health and exercise professionals who have functional knowledge and experience in aging and its impact on well-being.
1. Opportunities – job demand
By 2030, the youngest baby boomers will reach the age of 65. According to United States Census BureauThis will increase the size of the older population, making 1 in 5 U.S. residents of retirement age. This boom in the population of over 65 comes as economic strength increases. In other words, Active Age is a fast-growing demographic that has the means and the willingness to pay for your services.
In addition, older people adopt technology to stay informed, communicate with family members and friends, visit their doctors, shop and play. Recent national data provided by Pew Research It indicates that more than 70% of seniors are online, with younger, relatively affluent, or highly educated seniors driving the recent growth in widespread adoption of technology. The acceptance and use of smartphones, tablets and computers opens the door to new opportunities to engage older people in virtual personal training, group exercises and coaching.
2. Impact – job satisfaction
Loss of health is one of the biggest concerns of older adults, and older adults look to increase their health, not just their lifetime. The first baby boomers reached their 65th birthday in 2011. Since that time, there has been a rapid increase in the size of this demographic. Compared to previous generations, Baby Boomers are more active and focused on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. They understand that maintaining optimum health is the key to successfully aging and aging well.
The impact you can have in working with older people goes beyond your appearance goals. You have the opportunity to help them improve their quality of life while creating the programming that provides better functionality and mobility, while reducing the risk of chronic inactivity disease. You can partner with your clients to keep them strong and independent in the future. Helping active elderly live their healthier lives can bring you job satisfaction and personal satisfaction because you provide the inspiration it takes to meet and exceed the fitness and wellness goals of this age group.
3. Personal Growth – Upgrade your skill set
The development of programming that creates improved balance, greater strength, greater flexibility and mobility, enhanced cardiovascular endurance, and better cognitive health is the key to supporting healthy aging. To meet the needs of this diverse demographic, you may consider upgrading your existing skill set. The most effective and successful health and exercise professionals and senior fitness professionals have a high level of expertise in both aging and function. They understand how to direct seniors towards strength, movement, cardiovascular and balance gains in a safe and effective manner.
Health and exercise professionals who work with active seniors should develop a high level of proficiency in both verbal and nonverbal cues. Simple and subtle verbosity combined with clear visual guidance creates effective and safe programming for residents who may have impaired hearing and decreased visual acuity. Understanding some of the important issues surrounding aging, such as joint replacement, brain health and increased risk of chronic disease, will make you a valuable asset for seniors as they look for professionals with the expertise to help them live their lives better.
As a qualified professional with an interest in health and exercise, you can thrive in your career while guiding seniors toward improving health and function, providing them with opportunities to enjoy optimal health for years to come. You may only find that working with seniors provides you with the personal and career achievement you need to take to the next level, increasing your value and opportunities for your clients.
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