The Influence of Older Adult Instructors in Fitness Communities

In 2009, I was hired to be an Account Manager for the SilverSneakers Fitness Program where I collaborated closely with fitness centers to improve the member experience of SilverSneakers at partnered facilities. Part of my role involved strategizing with directors at various SilverSneakers locations to increase member visits and retention rates.

During my tenure, I noticed a trend: locations that hosted SilverSneakers classes led by older adult instructors were above average in their utilization and retention rates. The SilverSneakers classes were often reaching maximum capacity. Yet, what transpired within those classes went beyond an exercise session; instructors were fostering a profound sense of connection and community.

I saw instructors going beyond leading an exercise class to coordinating social gatherings such as potlucks and inviting guest speakers to speak on health and wellness topics. Attendees forged bonds that extended far beyond the gym walls. They supported one another outside class, carpooling, keeping track of absences, and even extending condolences or celebrating events together.

I believe the secret ingredient to this magnetic community lay in the seasoned life experiences and relatability of the older adult instructors. Their ability to resonate with members navigating the same life season contributed to the popularity and loyalty witnessed among participants. Directors overseeing these locations acknowledged the invaluable role these instructors played, single-handedly driving utilization and ensuring consistent class attendance.

Among these extraordinary instructors, Maribeth Peninger’s story was admirable. She was a retired physical education professor from Penn State, who ventured into personal training and SilverSneakers instruction during her retirement years. Her dedication and commitment to her participants resulted in a fiercely loyal following.

Maribeth worked at a privately owned fitness center and took it upon herself to go the extra mile, offering orientations on gym equipment to new older adult members and forming alliances with local health professionals to be guest speakers. Additionally, Maribeth took charge of regular fitness assessments, enabling her participants to track their progress.

When the gym went out of business, Maribeth continued teaching and transitioned to utilizing a room in a church to continue her classes, and became SilverSneakers FLEX instructor, operating independently from a gym setting. Maribeth is now in her 80’s and continues to teach classes at the church. Her determination and commitment ensured that her devoted following of students remained united and physically active.

My tenure at SilverSneakers reaffirmed my belief that older adult instructors bring exceptional commitment, leadership, compassion, and community cultivation to their role. They not only fostered physical activity; they were architects of social connectivity, nurturing the well-being of participants on both physical and emotional fronts.Witnessing the impact of these active professionals has affirmed my conviction that by actively seeking and engaging these individuals to become health and fitness professionals they will play a vital role on improving the health and well-being of older adults and help to diversify and fortify the health and fitness industry.

In 2012 I recruited SilverSneakers member and instructor, Gerry, to attend a health plan event to promote the SilverSneakers program to eligible members.