In today’s fast-paced world, fitness and technology are often designed with younger audiences in mind. But seniors—especially those in remote or underserved areas—face unique challenges when it comes to staying active.
Often, regular workout apps don’t feature adapted exercises for those with limited mobility. They may also have small buttons or complicated steps to access a class.
In our latest Catalyst by Wellstar think tank about Customer Experience and Aging, we invited Eric Levitan, Founder and CEO of Vivo, a fitness platform designed specifically for older adults, providing personalized, live-streamed workout classes that focus on improving both physical and cognitive health.
Vivo starts by breaking down common roadblocks among older adults who want to exercise.
“For older adults starting any new activity, especially exercise, there are two very big inhibitors that exist. And those two inhibitors are fear and shame. And it is really important to acknowledge that those things exist,” Eric said. “Older adults are afraid to start exercising as a general rule because they are afraid that they will get hurt or worse, or be embarrassed.”
Eric also mentioned the classes address cognitive health as well.
One key feature of the Vivo is dual-task exercises, which challenge users both mentally and physically. These workouts are designed to boost cognitive function by asking participants to perform tasks—such as answering questions or solving puzzles—while exercising.
This is especially beneficial for seniors who want to reduce the risk of conditions like dementia and Parkinson’s, with research showing that this dual-tasking can be one of the most profound interventions for neurological health.
Connecting Seniors in Far-to-Reach Areas
For many older adults, especially those in rural or remote locations, access to gyms or personal trainers is limited, and technology isn’t always the most user-friendly. Vivo solves this by not only offering engaging, live classes but also by partnering with organizations to provide simplified technology solutions.
One standout initiative involves delivering tablets with built-in hotspots to underserved seniors, ensuring they can participate in fitness classes regardless of their location. The app itself is designed with a user-friendly interface, making it easy for older adults to navigate. This focus on accessibility bridges the digital divide that often leaves seniors behind in the fitness space.
Vivo also fosters community. Seniors aren’t just logging in to sweat; they’re connecting with others, sharing stories, and building friendships. The app creates a sense of accountability and belonging. One student once stopped a road trip to log in to the app and take his class from the side of the road, surrounded by cornfields, showing how much this session meant to them.
“We all saw the general surgeon’s report a few months ago. Loneliness is the new smoking. Connecting people in these little groups facilitates action, and is really meaningful,” Eric said.
In an era where loneliness among older adults is a growing concern, with effects such as 29% increased risk of heart disease, 31% increased risk of stroke, and 50% increased risk of dementia amongst older people, Vivo addresses the social aspect of fitness, providing seniors with a space to engage, laugh, and thrive.
If you’re a senior or caregiver, what are your thoughts on exercising? Would you use an app like Vivo? Let us know in the comments.
