Research about how retirees actually spend their time will surprise you
It’s a common stereotype that retirees spend most of their time playing lawn bowls and pottering in the garden, however new research from Apia, the leading national insurer for over 50s has shed some new light on the subject that may surprise you.
While walking is by far the most popular form of exercise, older Australians are almost five times more likely to regularly attend a gym or fitness group than they are to play bowls, according to Apia’s research.
“People tend to think that the lifestyles of older Australians have not changed much since our grandparents’ generation”, according to David Skapinker, Apia spokesperson. “Tending the garden and heading down to the local lawn bowls were the main recreational pastimes, however this is simply not the case any more.”
Apia’s research reveals our top physical activities as follows:
Physical activities Aussies aged 50+ regularly undertake, once a week or more often
- Walking — 77%
- Swimming — 14%
- Attending a gym or fitness group — 14%
- Cycling — 9%
- Running or jogging — 6%
- Yoga or Pilates — 6%
- Playing golf — 4%
- Playing bowls — 3%
- Tennis or squash — 2%
Walking is five times more popular than any other activity. “It’s not surprising that walking is so popular with older Aussies, given it is low impact, easy on the body, requires minimal equipment and can be done on your own or with friends at any time of the day and at your own pace,” says David Skapinker.
We are also almost five times more likely to swim or do a fitness class than to go bowling, highlighting a generational shift to more contemporary activities such as swimming, cycling, yoga and pilates.
It’s important to stay connected as we get older, and the ability to combine fitness with socialising is a key reason behind the popularity of group activities such as fitness classes and cycling groups.
Similarly, the combination of low impact exercise with mental stimulation, concentration and relaxation make activities such as yoga, pilates and tai chi increasingly popular choices.
*Stats come from an independent internet survey conducted by Newspoll of 2,082 Australians aged 50 years and over in 2014 for Apia.