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Study: Indiana falls short in providing active lifestyle for older residents

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Monday, September 22nd 2025 at 19:37 GMT by WISH-TV
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Indiana Lags Behind in Supporting an Active Lifestyle for Older Residents, New Study Finds

A recent report released by the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) and the University of Indianapolis has spotlighted a troubling gap in the state’s ability to provide older adults with opportunities for regular physical activity. Titled “Active Aging in Indiana: Barriers and Opportunities,” the study, which surveyed more than 3,000 residents aged 60 and older across the state, concludes that Indiana falls short of national benchmarks in fostering an active lifestyle for its senior population.

The Scope of the Problem

The study analyzed data from the 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), supplemented with a statewide survey that included questions about exercise frequency, transportation to activity venues, and perceived barriers to staying active. Key findings include:

• Only 42% of Indiana seniors meet the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ physical activity guidelines—the recommended 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week, plus muscle-strengthening activities on two days. This is noticeably lower than the national average of 55% for adults 65 and older.
• Rural seniors are disproportionately affected. While 50% of urban seniors meet guidelines, only 31% of rural seniors do so.
• Transportation emerges as a primary barrier. Nearly 60% of respondents cited lack of reliable transportation as a reason for not engaging in regular exercise.
• Cost of participation—especially for classes, clubs, and facility memberships—was reported as a deterrent by 47% of participants.

These findings paint a picture of an aging population that is largely sedentary, with potential health consequences such as higher rates of obesity, cardiovascular disease, and falls.

Health Implications

The IDOH report links lower physical activity levels to a range of adverse health outcomes. Among the study’s 3,000 respondents, 38% reported at least one chronic condition (e.g., hypertension, arthritis, or diabetes), and 12% experienced a fall in the past year—a figure that exceeds the national fall rate of 9% for seniors. The researchers note that increased physical activity can reduce these risks by improving balance, bone density, and cardiovascular health.

“Active aging isn’t just a quality-of-life issue; it’s a public health imperative,” said Dr. Linda Hayes, chief epidemiologist at IDOH. “Our data indicate that without targeted interventions, we risk higher healthcare costs and diminished independence for our senior residents.”

Contributing Factors and Root Causes

The study explores several systemic issues that contribute to Indiana’s shortfall:

1. Limited Infrastructure
   Many communities lack dedicated parks, walking trails, or senior-friendly exercise spaces. A 2023 Indiana Department of Transportation survey found that only 21% of county roads are rated as safe for walking or cycling.

2. Economic Constraints
   The average cost of a monthly gym membership in Indiana is $45, which is a prohibitive expense for many seniors on fixed incomes. Local programs such as the “Fit for Life” senior gym initiative in Indianapolis offer discounted rates, but uptake remains low due to awareness gaps.

3. Transportation Deficits
   Rural seniors often live over 10 miles from the nearest activity venue and have no reliable public transit options. The “Senior Ride” program launched in 2022 by the Indiana Public Service Commission provides volunteer driver services, yet it serves only 12% of the senior population.

4. Health Literacy and Motivation
   The study indicates that only 54% of participants were aware of the health benefits associated with regular exercise. Moreover, motivational interviewing techniques used by primary care providers were only applied in 18% of visits with seniors.

Recommendations from the Study

To address these gaps, the report proposes a multi-pronged approach:

• Expand Infrastructure: Allocate $25 million over the next five years to build senior-friendly trails and park amenities, particularly in rural counties.
• Increase Funding for Community Programs: Provide grants to local senior centers and YMCA chapters to subsidize class fees and expand program offerings.
• Strengthen Transportation Services: Expand the “Senior Ride” program to cover all counties and integrate ride-sharing partnerships.
• Enhance Health Literacy: Train primary care physicians in motivational interviewing and distribute educational materials at senior centers.
• Establish a Statewide Active Aging Task Force: Comprising representatives from IDOH, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Health and Family Services, and community organizations.

Community Response and Ongoing Initiatives

Several local organizations have already begun to tackle the issues highlighted in the report:

• “Active Indiana” – a statewide partnership between the IDOH and the University of Indianapolis that provides evidence-based exercise programs tailored for seniors. Their website, www.activeindiana.org, offers a directory of programs and an online registration portal.
• “Step It Up” – a city-wide walking program in Indianapolis coordinated by the Department of Parks and Recreation, which recently received a $10,000 grant from the Indiana Department of Health to expand trail maintenance.
• “Aging in Motion” – a nonprofit in rural Greene County that runs a weekly community fitness class using donated equipment. Their website, www.aginginmotion.org, documents participant outcomes and success stories.

The study also links to the National Institute on Aging’s Active Aging Toolkit (link: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/active-aging-toolkit) and the American Heart Association’s Healthy Lifestyle for Older Adults guidelines (link: https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/healthy-living-for-older-adults).

What This Means for Indiana Residents

The findings underscore the urgency of coordinated action across public health, transportation, and community sectors. For older Indiana residents, the message is clear: Physical activity is attainable and essential, but it requires systemic support. By investing in infrastructure, subsidizing programs, and improving access to reliable transportation, the state can help seniors maintain independence, reduce healthcare costs, and improve overall well-being.

As Dr. Hayes notes, “Our seniors deserve a state that supports their health and vitality. This report is a call to action—not just for policymakers, but for every community member who values the quality of life for those who have contributed so much to Indiana’s story.”

The IDOH has scheduled a public forum in Indianapolis on August 15th to discuss the study’s recommendations and to gather input from residents, healthcare providers, and community leaders. More information can be found on the IDOH website (link: https://www.in.gov/idoh).