79757

Australia is undergoing a demographic transformation, with more than one in six Australians now aged over 65 - a number that will continue to rise for the next two decades.

In addition to this population shift, there is a changing mindset among adults with today’s over-50s not winding down but instead investing in their health, seeking expert support and redefining what it means to age well.

Ken Baldwin, co-founder of the Healthy Ageing Summit and Director of the Healthy Ageing Institute, sees that this evolution is creating one of the most exciting and underserved growth markets in fitness and wellness.

With the over-55s demographic identified as the fastest growing segment in gym memberships - with participation in structured fitness, wellness and active lifestyle programs increasing year-on-year, Baldwin is concerned that despite their rising presence, older adults remain underrepresented in program design, instructor training and mainstream fitness offerings.

Baldwin (pictured below) explains “there’s a huge gap between demand and delivery.

“This demographic wants to move better, feel better, and live longer - but in many cases, the fitness industry still speaks to 25-year-olds. That’s a missed opportunity on every level - commercially, professionally, and ethically.”

Baldwin believes that health and wellness professionals are uniquely positioned to close this gap - if they have the right education and tools - noting “this isn’t about slowing down - it’s about programming for purpose. Older adults want evidence-based approaches that are tailored to their stage of life. And professionals who can deliver that are going to be in incredibly high demand over the next 10 years.”

The Healthy Ageing Summit 2025, taking place 29th to 30th May on the Gold Coast, aims to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills to support an ageing, yet thriving, population. Now in its third year, the event brings together fitness experts, allied health professionals and wellness leaders to explore the latest insights across the seven pillars of longevity: movement, mindset, nutrition, recovery, social connection, environment, and purpose.

The 2025 program will feature interactive workshops, expert panels, cooking demos, and specialised deep-dives into topics like gut health, chronic condition management, and transitional programming. Headline speakers include Ian O'Dwyer, Emily Splichal, Bobby Cappuccio and Karen & Ken Baldwin, alongside other industry leaders.

Baldwin sees the Summit not just as a conference, but as a movement to reshape the ageing narrative in the industry, adding “the future of fitness isn’t about six packs and high-intensity for the under 30s - it’s about creating sustainable health strategies for real people at every age.

“If you’re a health or fitness professional and not engaging with this space, you’re missing out on the biggest opportunity of the next decade.”

Click here for more information on the Healthy Ageing Summit in the Australasian Leisure Management industry Calendar.

Main image credit: Healthy Sunshine Coast.

Related Articles

6th January 2025 - New outdoor fitness station in Newcastle supports active ageing

29th December 2024 - Reports identify top fitness trends of 2024

9th December 2024 - Wearable Technology and Exercise Programs for Older Adults among ACSM top Fitness Trends for 2025

29th November 2024 - PureGym reveals fitness trends set to dominate 2025

25th October 2024 - Healthy Ageing Summit 2025 to explore future of active, healthy living

23rd September 2024 - Hearts4heart highlights benefits of fitness trackers in identifying heart disease symptoms

19th September 2024 - Sexy Ageing launches transformational app

17th September 2024 - Positive ageing supported in Geelong with array of events

5th August 2024 - ESSA commissioned research finds subsidised classes would encourage more older Australians to exercise 

12th July 2024 - University of Queensland research shows HIIT training benefits for mental wellness of older adults

28th May 2024 - Final registrations welcomed for 2024 Healthy Ageing Summit

3rd May 2024 - New longitudinal study highlights benefits of an active lifestyle to boosting women’s ageing quality

1st February 2024 - Brimbank City Council explores beauty of ageing

9th January 2024 - Worksite health promotion and exercise for older adults among top trends in 2024 ACSM worldwide survey

5th December 2023 - Healthy Ageing Summit 2024 to address strengthening leadership in fast growing market

21st February 2023 - Older residents in Bendigo encouraged to provide feedback on draft Positive Ageing Action Plan

30th December 2022 - AUSactive survey suggests fitness programs for older adults will be key exercise trend in 2023

21st December 2022 - Deakin University develops new approach of ‘Exercise snacking’ for older Australians

3rd November 2020 - ESSA releases free ebook promoting physical activity benefits for older adults

14th January 2020 - ESSA delivers government subsidised classes to older Australians

12th April 2019 - David Allan, Ken Baldwin, Amanda Bracks and Leon McNiece inducted into Fitness Australia Roll of Honour

---

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

Click here to view our subscription options.