Key facts
- Older adults are finding success and purpose as exercise instructors, particularly for peer groups.
- Instructors like Bengie Santos, 72, and Harry King, 83, offer relatable motivation and tailored approaches.
- Students report that older instructors better understand their needs and make exercise more enjoyable.
- The YMCA actively recruits senior participants to become instructors, valuing the social and emotional benefits.
- Music selection tailored to students' backgrounds and memories is a key strategy for engaging older adults.
Older adults are increasingly finding fulfilling careers and community as exercise instructors, particularly those who cater to their peers. Bengie Santos, a 72-year-old former dancer, has cultivated a devoted following at the YMCA of Greater Seattle by leading classes that incorporate a wide range of music and dance styles, from Doris Day singalongs to hip-hop and line dances. Many of her students, some in their 80s and 90s, find that instructors closer to their own age better understand their needs and make fitness more enjoyable and socially connecting.
Experts and organizers agree that older instructors can serve as valuable role models. Daniel E. Lieberman, an evolutionary biologist, highlights the importance of such role models in encouraging consistent physical activity among seniors. Harry King, an 83-year-old personal trainer, echoes this sentiment, motivating his clients, mostly over 50, by demonstrating that age is not a barrier to exercise. The YMCA actively recruits from its senior classes, recognizing that these programs offer more than just physical fitness, encompassing crucial mental and emotional well-being aspects.
Students like Sharon Ruff, 81, and Ann Kashiwa, 91, credit Santos not only for her energetic teaching but also for fostering friendships and providing support during challenging times, such as Kashiwa's cancer treatment. Tom Kleinecke, 67, notes that Santos' inspirational approach differs from younger instructors, leading to noticeable improvements in his fitness. Santos herself emphasizes tailoring class soundtracks to her students' backgrounds and memories, creating a party-like atmosphere that encourages participation, even for those in their 80s to 102 in senior living facilities.