National Senior Health & Fitness Day

National Senior Health & Fitness Day is considered as the nation’s largest health and wellness event for older adult.

National Senior Health & Fitness Day is a special day to improve the health of seniors as well as help older Americans stay fit and healthy on the last Wednesday of every May. Many organizations around the country organize events to spread the word about the importance of aged care and the different ways it is done. There are also local events held at neighborhood parks, gyms, and other similar places.

National Senior Health & Fitness Day’s history

National Senior Health & Fitness Day is celebrated annually on the last Wednesday of May as part of the American Aging Month activities by the Mature Market Resource Center, a national clearinghouse for the older adult market in partnership with a variety of nonprofits and private NGOs. National Elderly Health and Fitness Day is the largest health and wellness movement for seniors in the United States.

It's time we explore the different physical activity options available to seniors and acknowledge the importance of nutrition and exercise to prevent ill health. A healthy diet boosts immunity and energy while regular exercise preserves bone mass and reduces the risk of fractures and any other disease or condition.

Across the country, assisted living communities provide intermediate care to elderly people who, without the need of a nursing home, are no longer able to continue living independently. Types of aged care and housing have emerged, such as retirement continuum care, respite care, home care and memory care communities.

National Elderly Health and Fitness Day is celebrated at more than 1,200 locations including senior centers, leisure centers, hospitals, health clubs, health departments, retirement communities, etc. Local health and senior organizations organize, sponsor events with the support of the Mature Market Resource Center team. Various types of popular programs are held at such events, like group exercise, walking tour, health fair, and more.

Some facts about aging

• The world is getting old

The world is aging rapidly and people aged 60 and over will increase in number from 900 million to 2 billion between 2015 and 2050.

• Modernism is on the rise

Today, ageism, which discriminates against people based on their age, is more common than racism or sexism.

• Not for nursing

Only 3.6% of seniors over 65 are in nursing homes.

• High poverty rate

In the US, 10.5% of over 60 year-old-people live in poverty and they are the highest poverty rate in the country.

• The minority is the majority

In the US, 42% of the older population, aged 65 and over, is part of minorities.

Celebrating National Senior Health & Fitness Day

• Spend time on the elderly

Spend some time with your grandparents, parents and husbands to make them feel special.

• Organize an event

Host an event in your neighborhood for seniors. Talk about the importance of good health and spread the word on social media using the hashtags such as #NationalSeniorHealthAndFitnessDay, #SeniorHealthAndFitnessDay, #SeniorHealthDay.

• Volunteers

Volunteer at health fairs to spread the word. National Senior Health & Fitness Day is an opportunity to help the elderly in your community, therefore, this will add to your own well-being.