As the older adult population grows, so does the need for innovative and accessible health and wellness programs. GetSetUp, an online learning community where older adults can learn new skills, recently released its 2024 Active Aging Report, providing a comprehensive look at older adults' evolving needs, and highlighting the critical areas where they seek support to lead healthier, more connected lives. Based on data from more than 5.27 million online activities and insights from 1,701 surveyed users, the report uncovers valuable trends in digital literacy, holistic health and the desire to age-in-place.
What follows are some of the most insightful health and wellness findings:
A Strong Focus on Holistic Health and Wellness
Older adults increasingly prioritize a holistic approach to health, with 45.9% of surveyed participants engaging in daily physical activities and 27.1% participating in mental health programs. This shift reflects a broader trend among older adults who are focused on managing chronic conditions and actively seeking ways to improve their quality of life.
Programs like low-Impact aerobics, Tai Chi, and meditation are essential in helping older adults maintain physical strength, balance, and mental resilience, plus they demonstrate the need for comprehensive wellness initiatives that cater to the full spectrum of health needs in older adults.
The Rising Demand for Digital Literacy
With the rise of digital health tools, digital literacy has become a crucial component of health management for older adults. The report shows that more than 860,000 classes were taken on digital literacy topics, including digital banking, telemedicine and smart device use. This trend indicates a growing comfort among older adults with technology, which is increasingly essential for accessing healthcare services, managing personal health data, and maintaining social connections.
‘GetSetUp has partnered with state and community organizations to provide virtual social opportunities that keep older adults engaged.’
Navigating digital platforms confidently is a necessity that can directly impact an individual’s health outcomes. By equipping older adults with the skills to use digital tools, GetSetUp is helping to bridge the digital divide and promote health equity.
Addressing Social Isolation and its Impact on Health
Social isolation and loneliness are significant concerns for older adults, considering 57.5% of those surveyed live alone. The report shows the importance of social connectivity as a key social determinant of health. Programs that reduce loneliness and foster community connections are critical for emotional well-being and have been shown to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and depression.
GetSetUp has partnered with state and community organizations to provide virtual social opportunities that keep older adults engaged. For example, in Michigan, GetSetUp collaborated with the Department of Health & Human Services to offer virtual group activities that address the high levels of social isolation among elders in rural areas. This initiative also improved these elders’ mental health and sense of purpose.
Emphasizing Fall Prevention and Mobility
Falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults, making fall prevention a critical area of focus. The report shows that more than 347,000 classes on fall prevention were taken in 2023, emphasizing the importance of these programs in maintaining mobility and independence. By participating in classes like Stay Safe at Home: Fall Risk and Prevention Strategies, older adults are gaining the knowledge and skills needed remain active and reduce risk of falls.
Financial Security as a Component of Health Equity
Financial stability is closely linked to health outcomes, and many older adults are looking for ways to ensure their financial security. The report reveals that older adults attended more than 233,000 classes focused on finance and employment, demonstrating strong engagement in programs that enhance financial literacy and explore job opportunities.
Economic empowerment allows older adults to make informed decisions about their health and access the care they need without financial barriers. This is particularly important as healthcare costs continue to rise and the financial pressures on older adults increase. The need to pay for healthcare costs (24.5%) was cited as one of the leading reasons many older adults (34.6%) expressed a desire to continue working post-retirement.
Changing The Aging Playbook
Insights from GetSetUp’s 2024 Active Aging Report highlight the critical areas where older adults are seeking support to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. By focusing on holistic health, digital literacy, social connectivity and financial security, we can better address the diverse needs of this growing population.
Organizations and communities must continue to prioritize accessible and inclusive health and wellness programs that empower older adults. Leveraging data-driven insights allows us to create more effective strategies to support active aging and promote health equity.
For more detailed insights and to explore the full range of findings, download the complete 2024 Active Aging Report here.
Liz Miller is director of Communications and Marketing at GetSetUp.
Photo credit: Shutterstock/SUPERMAO
