As part of my research for a course at Mt. San Antonio College (Mt. SAC), where I am training to become a certified personal trainer, I’ve been exploring how peer mentorship can motivate people in my own age group—those 65 and older—to stay physically active and engaged in fitness.
Staying active in older adulthood is one of the most powerful ways to maintain health, function, and quality of life. Yet, many people over the age of 65 face barriers to participation in physical activity. These include chronic pain, fear of injury, limited access to facilities, and perhaps most importantly, a lack of motivation and social support. This is where peer mentoring and peer-led fitness programs are proving to be game-changers.
Research shows that older adults are more likely to participate in and stick with fitness programs when they are led by someone they can relate to—another older adult. These peer leaders often serve not only as instructors but as trusted role models who understand the challenges and goals of aging firsthand.
What the Evidence Shows
A large-scale review by Burton et al. (2018) examined 18 studies involving over 3,400 participants and found that peer involvement—either through leading programs or offering encouragement—was linked to improvements in physical activity levels and increased adherence to exercise routines. In fact, 16 of the 18 studies reported positive outcomes when peers were involved in some form.
One peer-led aquatic program in Australia, known as Waves, focused on older adults with musculoskeletal conditions and included aerobic, strength, flexibility, and balance exercises. After 12 weeks, participants reported reduced joint stiffness and increased satisfaction, with over 90% indicating they would recommend the program to others (Barker et al., 2016). Although statistical differences between the intervention and control groups were modest, the real success was in how engaging and sustainable the program proved to be.
Another study highlighted how peer mentors were trained and then led group exercise sessions for other older adults. These sessions not only boosted physical outcomes like balance, endurance, and flexibility, but also improved social interaction and emotional well-being among participants (Grove & Spier, 1999). In particular, attendance improved when peer mentors took over from health professionals—demonstrating the strength of connection that shared experience can create.
Why It Matters for Trainers Like Me
As someone preparing to become a personal trainer for the 65+ community, this research confirms something I’ve long believed: older adults are not only capable of leading the way in fitness, they are often the best motivators for each other. A peer leader brings authenticity, empathy, and lived experience that many younger professionals simply can't replicate.
Peer-led programs also offer a solution to common barriers such as cost and intimidation. When fitness sessions are run in familiar settings and by familiar faces, older adults are more likely to show up and stick with the program. They’re also more likely to feel empowered to become mentors themselves—creating a ripple effect of health and connection.
Moving Forward
The value of peer mentorship in older adult fitness is clear: it increases participation, supports mental and emotional health, and builds sustainable communities around physical activity. As I continue my journey toward certification, I plan to not just train clients, but help them see themselves as leaders, too.
Fitness in our later years isn't about chasing youth. It's about aging with purpose, building strength and resilience, and staying connected to others on the same path. And sometimes, the best coach is someone who has walked in your shoes.
References
Barker, A. L., Talevski, J., Morello, R. T., Nolan, G. A., De Silva, R. D., & Briggs, A. M. (2016). Jumping into the deep-end: Results from a pilot impact evaluation of a community-based aquatic exercise program. Clinical Rheumatology, 35(6), 1593–1601.
Burton, E., Farrier, K., Hill, K. D., Codde, J., Airey, P., & Hill, A.-M. (2018). Effectiveness of peers in delivering programs or motivating older people to increase their participation in physical activity: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Sports Sciences, 36(6), 666–678. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2017.1329549
Grove, N., & Spier, B. (1999). Motivating the well elderly to exercise. Journal of Community Health Nursing, 16(3), 179–189
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