Adherence
Synchronous online exercise programs reduce environmental barriers (transportation, weather, accessibility) and increase motivation and adherence in community-dwelling older adults compared to asynchronous or in-person formats.
If you are an older adult who struggles with getting to the gym due to driving, parking, or bad weather, try a live online group exercise class. The key is that it is 'synchronous' (live, real-time) with an instructor and other people, which provides accountability and motivation that pre-recorded videos often lack. Ensure you have a stable internet connection and a device (tablet/computer) to join via video call.
many suggested that our synchronous online exercise program was motivational and attenuated commonly reported environmental barriers to participation, such as transportation concerns (eg, time spent traveling, driving, and parking), accessibility and convenience by participating at a location of their choice, and removing travel-related concerns during poor weather conditions.
Why this rating
Qualitative study with small sample size (n=22) and self-reported perceptions; lacks objective adherence metrics or long-term health outcomes.
Source
Older Adults’ Perspectives on Participating in a Synchronous Online Exercise Program: Qualitative Study
Giulia Coletta et al. · JMIR Aging · 2025
DOI 10.2196/66473
Related findings · Adherence
- Regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes/week of moderate-intensity) reduces all-cause and cardiovascular mortality by 20-30% and lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes by 25-35%.Strong
- Increasing physical activity from a sedentary lifestyle to an active one in middle adulthood significantly reduces the risk of coronary events compared to remaining sedentary.Strong
- Resistance exercise is the only intervention capable of consistently restoring muscle function and strength in sarcopenia, partially overcoming age-related anabolic resistance.Strong
This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →