The baby boomers are coming... are you ready?

“Canada is about to face an unprecedented era of population aging. From 8% fifty years ago, it is projected that Canadian seniors will comprise 23-25% of the population in 25 years time.” Health-promoting factors and good health among Canadians in mid to late life. July 2010 Statistics Canada

In the next two decades, a larger portion of our populations will be older. So what does this mean for those promoting health and physical activity?

Well, as many of us know, the “not-so-fun-side” to aging is typically experiencing more health issues. Heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, osteoporosis all seem to creep more readily into our lives as we age. In fact as we get older we are more likely to develop more than 1 health condition.

Physical activity can help to manage these health concerns and in some cases it may be able to prevent or delay the onset of health issues. Promoting physical activity and ensuring this generation remains active will be key to help maintaining the quality of life as this generation gets older.

So how do we get boomers active? As with any age group or segment of the population we need to learn how to adapt our efforts to best suit their needs, interest and maximize their engagement.

Good examples of things to consider:

* The word “seniors” may not be well received with the baby boomer generation. This generation has a tendency to see themselves as youthful. Plus, who wants to admit they are getting old!
* Many plan to still work in some capacity after they have retired. Or they simply see retirement as a phase of life to try something new or explore new interests. So the typical early morning classes may not work for this crowd.
* They likely have many family responsibilities. They may still have a parent that is living. They also may still provide support to their children.
* They have survived without the internet for decades, but most have embraced it.
* Often those in this generation are considered optimistic and proactive. Therefore, maintaining their health can be a big motivator for some people in this generation


Basically, we may need to rethink about the physical activity promotion and programs we offer.

Perhaps getting rid of the word “senior” in your program description, may help to make a class program or initiative more inviting.

Targeting the workplace may be a great way to engage many in this generation.

Examining multi-generational opportunities and promotional material, as this generation may want to do stuff with their parent, their kids and even their grand kids!

Using the concern for their health and the proactive nature of their generation, and to help motivate them to try a new physical activity.

Bottom line, is this generation will shape how we promote physical activity. We just need to be ready and willing to go along for the ride.