The Top 3 Reasons to Work with Older Adults
Are you thinking of a career focused on coaching older adults? Working with the 65 and older population is both challenging and rewarding, and it just might be the boost you need to improve your skill set and bring your business to the next level.
It’s no secret that the world’s population is getting older. This trend is creating wide-ranging opportunities for health coaches who have knowledge and expertise in aging and its impact on nutritional needs, physical activity and overall well-being.
1. Opportunities – Job Demand
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the youngest of the baby boomers will reach the age of 65 by 2030, making one in every five residents in the U.S. of retirement age. This boom in the 65+ population comes with growing economic power. In other words, older adults are a fast-growing demographic with the means and desire to afford your services.
Additionally, older adults are embracing technology to stay informed, connect with family members and friends, visit their physicians, and shop and play. National data presented by Pew Research indicates that more than 70% of older adults are connected to the Internet, with younger, relatively affluent or more highly educated members of that population driving much of the recent growth in the widespread adoption of technology. The acceptance and utilization of smartphones, tablets and computers opens the door to new opportunities to engage older adults in through mHealth and online health coaching.
2. Impact – Job Satisfaction
Loss of health is one of the greatest sources of concern for older adults, and they are looking to increase their health span, not just their life span. The first Baby Boomers reached the age of 65 in 2011. Compared to previous generations, Baby Boomers are more active and focused on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, as they understand that maintaining optimal health is the key to aging successfully.
The impact you can make working with older adults goes beyond appearance-related goals. You have the opportunity to help them improve their quality of life as you empower them to make behavioral changes that decrease their risk of chronic disease. You can partner with your clients to keep them strong and independent well into the future. Helping older adults live their healthiest life can bring you job satisfaction and personal fulfillment as you provide the inspiration it takes to meet and exceed the fitness and wellness goals of the people within this age group.
3. Personal Growth – Upgrade Your Skill Set
Improve your communication skills by learning to listen without interruption, tuning out distractions and avoiding filler words, patronizing language and slang. Other skills to level up include learning more about special considerations for exercise program design and physical activity guidelines specific to older adults.
To meet the needs of this diverse demographic, you may consider upgrading your current skill set. The most effective and successful health coaches specializing in older adult health and fitness have a high level of expertise related to aging, effective communication and function and strive to create an environment that is safe both physically and psychologically. They understand how to guide older adults toward making lasting behavioral changes that will positively impact their health in a safe and effective manner.
Health coaches who work with older adults must cultivate a high level of competency in both verbal and nonverbal communication. Gaining an understanding of some of the important issues that surround aging, such as joint replacement, brain health and increased chronic disease risk, will make you a valuable asset to older adults as they seek professionals with the expertise to help them live their best lives.
As a qualified and caring health coach, you can thrive in your career as you guide older adults toward improved health and wellness, providing them with opportunities to enjoy optimal wellness for years to come. You may just find that working with older adults provides the personal and career fulfilment you need to move to the next level, increasing your value and your client opportunities.
