Senior Healthy Living Survey

by SilverSneakers

Executive Summary


The Senior Healthy Living Survey by SilverSneakers is conducted by global  intelligence company Morning Consult. The survey is fielded monthly among a national sample of adults 65 and older who are enrolled in Medicare Advantage.

The mission of the Senior Healthy Living Survey is to serve as a primary voice of seniors nationwide in the areas representing all aspects of our mission. Harnessing this voice with rigor, and a focus on future-state, to anticipate the needs of seniors tomorrow while driving the thought leadership and product development of today.

Each survey includes a fixed set of questions on healthy behaviors along with a dynamic set of questions that cover timely topics imperative to our myriad stakeholders

Key Findings


  • Participation in physical activities is down this month. Last month, just 19% of Seniors reported not participating in any physical activity, while this month 26% of Seniors report not participating in any physical activity. Most Seniors participating in physical activity prefer to do so at home (66%) (-4pts vs. Jan), compared to in the community (21%) (-3pts vs. Jan) or at a gym (16%) (-1pt vs. Jan).
  • Lack of motivation (44%) (-2pts vs. Jan) remains the top reason why Seniors are not participating in physical activity. Notably, the share of Seniors who cannot afford a fitness membership (16%) (+8pts vs. Jan), are worried about exercising safely (11%) (+6pts vs. Jan), or do not have access to at-home equipment (10%) (+6pts vs. Jan) are also all up compared to last month.
  • Like last month, better weather (29%) (+1pt vs. Jan) is the top motivator for Seniors’ whose level of physical activity is the same or worse compared to 3 months ago. Self-motivation (17%) (+2pts vs. Jan), finding someone to workout with (17%) (+4pts vs. Jan), and a change in one’s personal life (12%) (+3pts vs. Jan) are also reasons that would motivate Seniors to spend more time exercising.
  • Less than a quarter (24%) of Seniors feel lonely in February (23% in January). This month, 35% of Seniors feel they lack companionship (+1pt vs. Jan), 31% feel left out (+4pts vs. Jan), and 33% (+1pt vs. Jan) feel isolated from others.