Recently, according to relevant reports, the reporter found that most stadiums set age restrictions for the elderly, including some gyms, swimming pools, etc., and the restrictions are generally set at 60-70 years old, and some even drop to 55 or 50 years old. With the rise of ice and snow sports, some ski resorts have also made it clear that people over the age of 55 are not allowed to participate in skiing activities.
In recent years, for-profit sports venues have been turning the elderly out. In 2021, Xiao Zhang, a citizen of Chongqing, applied for a fitness card for his father, but because of his age, the gym operator refused to exercise for Lao Zhang. In 2022, a swimming pool in Nanjing refused to renew the membership card for an 82-year-old member on the grounds that he was too old, and the old man sued the court, causing widespread concern. The rejection of the elderly by many fitness venues is almost the same, which undoubtedly pours cold water on the fitness enthusiasm of the elderly.
At the same time, with the change of consumption concept and the improvement of life security measures, the elderly have gradually increased their attention to exercise and physical health, and their desire to exercise in market-oriented sports venues is also stronger. At present, fitness facilities are less concerned with the elderly, however, in the context of aging, the elderly group has gradually become a huge consumer group, and the demand of the elderly for exercise in market-oriented sports venues should be seen.
...... of being denied exercise due to overage and being told that the card cannot be renewedClearly, most sports venues are not ready to welcome the elderly. It is true that the "entry" of the elderly into for-profit sports venues has certain operational risks for operators. In the process of exercise, bumps are inevitable; Considering that the equipment has a certain risk for the elderly, and they are worried about the loss caused by accidents, most operators refuse to "receive" the elderly and set an age threshold in the rules. It is understandable that managers are worried about the risks of business caused by injuries to the elderly. However, the fitness activities that the elderly are interested in should not be "strictly guarded", and the problems existing in the exercise and fitness of the elderly group can not be "avoided and answered".
At present, there are certain difficulties in opening for-profit sports venues to the elderly, but there are risks and opportunities. On the one hand, we need to refine the safeguard measures. Operators can provide professional guidance to the needs of the elderly group and negotiate agreements with their families. A series of measures have been introduced, such as formulating scientific exercise plans based on reference data and setting up fitness risk reminders in sports venues, to effectively prevent possible safety risks. In addition, the relevant departments should explore and improve relevant laws and regulations, carry out responsibility sharing, and reduce the concerns of operators. At the same time, listen to the needs and suggestions of the elderly group, innovate service methods and technologies, and develop and produce fitness equipment suitable for the physical condition of the elderly. The elderly should also consider carefully when facing fitness risk reminders, make reasonable trade-offs based on their own circumstances, control exercise time and pay attention to scientific methods, after all, they are the first responsible person to avoid safety risks.
The doors of professional fitness venues cannot be "closed" to the elderly, and the trend of national fitness cannot be left behind by the elderly. The fitness industry for the elderly is a "blue ocean" market to be developed, and it should attract the attention of all parties to enhance the sense of gain, happiness and security of the elderly.
*: China Youth Daily client.