As UK life expectancy continues to climb, Nuffield Health has shone a light on shifting demographics with new research which shows older gym users are putting their youngers to shame.

Data collected from Nuffield Health’s 77 health clubs across the country reveals that the average age of their most frequent gym user is 67. Members in this age group were shown to visit the gym an average of eight times a month, whereas those aged 27 visited an average of five times a month in comparison.

The numbers build on previous findings from the health charity and highlight the growing importance of catering to the over-65s market as life expectancy increases. The research chimes with a recent Barclays report which found leisure providers could be missing out on £16bn in additional revenues each year by failing to adequately cater to the needs of over 65-year-olds.

Nuffield statistics showed that those aged 60-69 visit the gym seven times a month, whereas those aged 20-29 visited an average of five times. Meanwhile septuagenarians in Scotland are really pushing the envelope, with the average age of the most frequent gym user (11 visits per month) north of the border being 79.

The numbers reveal a continuing trend of older age groups choosing to take control of their health and remain active, prompting Nuffield to launch new class GetMovement at clubs across the country. GetMovement is a low-impact dance exercise class devised to help everyday movement get easier for the over 55s.

“We decided to pilot GetMovement at a couple of our sites last year and it has proven to be so popular that we have chosen to expand our offering,” said Sean McBurney, Nuffield Health national group exercise and swim manager.

“It is really important for fitness providers to offer classes that appeal to all of their members and being that the average age of our most frequent gym user is 67, we are delighted to be able to offer these members a new and innovative way to improve their health and wellbeing.”