Only 22% of respondents say their lives are
being disrupted by the pandemic
NASHVILLE, Tenn., April 28,
2022 /PRNewswire/ -- A new national survey of
seniors by Tivity Health® shows disruptions caused by
COVID-19 are at a record low, with only 22% of respondents
indicating their life being hampered by the pandemic. It also
indicates continued improvements in confidence in lifestyles,
attitudes toward overall health and well-being, as well as feelings
of stress and anxiety.
This is the eighth quarterly survey by Tivity Health, Inc.
(Nasdaq: TVTY), a leading provider of health improvement solutions,
including SilverSneakers®. The quarterly survey tracks
evolving trends among SilverSneakers members related to physical
health, social engagement, technology use and more. The Q1 results
mirror trends seen in the company's semi-monthly poll of adults 65
and older who are enrolled in Medicare Advantage.
"Our ongoing Pulse surveys continue to illuminate how
SilverSneakers members' health and well-being have been affected by
the ebbs and flows of the COVID-19 pandemic," said Richard Ashworth, president and CEO of Tivity
Health. "Throughout the pandemic, we've seen dramatic swings in
physical activity, social health and nutrition. We're pleased to be
seeing broad positive gains, with seniors expressing more optimism
and returning to more normal routines."
A vast majority (80%) of members believe that dealing with
surges of COVID-19 cases is going to be the new normal and we will
have to respond accordingly. Nearly three-quarters believe we will
learn to live with COVID-19 without having to disrupt daily
life.
"We are seeing an increased desire among seniors to incorporate
technology into their daily lives to bolster connectivity and
improve fitness and well-being," said Ashworth. "Many seniors are
also feeling more comfortable socializing and engaging with friends
and family in-person—though we are very mindful of the third who
are not yet comfortable."
A notable exception to the positives trends is increasing food
insecurity, rising from 6% to 9% from the previous quarter.
"At the same time, consistent social isolation is three times
higher than pre-pandemic levels and is experienced twice as often
by low-income respondents," added Ashworth. "These insights should
guide the kinds of programming, services and partnerships that
healthcare leaders consider as we move forward. Certain issues that
have been exacerbated over the past two years will need to be
addressed to ensure that seniors have the tools and resources they
need to return to pre-pandemic routines."
Full results can be found at
TivityHealth.com/SilverSneakers-Pulse-Survey/
Additional key findings include:
COVID-19 Perceptions and Attitudes
Even though members
remain concerned about COVID-19 variants, they are growing
accustomed to the new normal as members see a decline in disruption
of their everyday lives, the lowest of all eight surveys conducted
(22%). More than half (59%) of members feel comfortable socializing
with friends and family in public places right now as compared to
the Q4 Pulse survey of 2021 (55%). Members are also more
comfortable participating in several in-person activities than in
mid-December with more members interested in seeing vaccinated
people, (32% versus 14%) and dining outdoors at places such as bars
or restaurants (20% versus 5%).
Adoption of Technology
While seniors continue to adopt
technology and many are using online video interactions to
consistently connect with friends and family, they are using
technology less for medical or therapy appointments. The
survey revealed that 64% of members report using video or streaming
for connecting socially with friends and family, while 41% report
using video or streaming for medical and therapy appointments.
About one in four members are doing exercise videos or
participating in live classes over the internet. Many enjoy the
option of virtual and in-person classes and nearly nine out of ten
seniors surveyed who have participated in SilverSneakers digital
offerings will continue to do so in the future. This is the highest
retention rate as compared to all past surveys.
Fitness and Nutrition
Member engagement in fitness
opportunities continues to grow, although lack of motivation
remains a large barrier. More than half of members (56%) reported
walking, hiking or cycling to help them maintain or get back into
an exercise routine. The members also report better eating habits
than at any time during all surveys (33%) compared to members who
report worse eating habits, (21%). A slightly higher proportion of
members are concerned their food would run out before they had
money to buy more, (9%) compared to last quarter, (6%).
Tivity Health and SilverSneakers continue to survey members on a
routine basis to assess the impact the pandemic has made on older
adults and find new ways to address the pandemic-related health
issues they may face. For more information and to view the full
survey findings, visit the "Insights" section of the Tivity Health
website at www.TivityHealth.com.
About SilverSneakers
SilverSneakers®, by
Tivity Health, is the nation's leading community fitness program
for Medicare eligible Americans. The program was founded in 1992
and is available to more than 16 million Americans through many
Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare Supplement carriers, and group
retiree plans. For more information, to check eligibility or to
enroll in the program or sign up for a SilverSneakers newsletter,
go to silversneakers.com.
About Tivity Health
Tivity Health® Inc.
(Nasdaq: TVTY) is a leading provider of healthy life-changing
solutions, including SilverSneakers®, Prime®
Fitness and WholeHealth Living®. We help adults improve
their health and support them on life's journey by providing access
to in-person and virtual physical activity, social, and mental
enrichment programs, as well as a full suite of physical medicine
and integrative health services. We continue to enhance the way we
direct members along their journey to better health by delivering
an insights-driven, personalized, interactive experience. Our suite
of services support health plans nationwide as they seek to reduce
costs and improve health outcomes. At Tivity Health, we deliver the
resources members need to live healthier, happier, more connected
lives. Learn more at www.tivityhealth.com
Contact:
Debbie
Jacobson
Tivity Health
(480) 444-5204
Debbie.jacobson@tivityhealth.com
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SOURCE Tivity Health, Inc.