Physical fitness for retirees

Demographic projections predict a substantial growth in adults age 65 or older relative to the rest of the population. Currently, the cost to employers to provide health benefits for retirees has skyrocketed. To address this issue, a change in the concept of health promotion is advocated to include the maintenance and rehabilitation of functional capacity for retired employees. The physiological and psychological benefits of group exercise are presented. The development of a group exercise program to meet the specific needs of older adults is discussed. Future trends in corporate health promotion are suggested, and issues relevant to the development of exercise programs for older adults are addressed.