This reference brings together primary U.S. public-health data for writers, educators, and anyone looking for a clear snapshot of physical activity and fall-related trends in later life. Every figure is linked to its original source.
Key numbers at a glance
38.4%
of adults 65+ met the aerobic activity guideline
In 2024, 38.4% of U.S. adults age 65 and older met the federal aerobic activity guideline during leisure time.
CDC National Center for Health Statistics, National Health Interview Survey, 202413.9%
met both aerobic and strength guidelines
In 2022, 13.9% of adults 65 and older met both the aerobic and muscle-strengthening guidelines during leisure time.
CDC National Center for Health Statistics, National Health Interview Survey, 20221 in 4
older adults report a fall each year
More than 14 million adults age 65 and older report falling each year. Falls are the leading cause of injury for this age group.
CDC Older Adult Falls Data, updated September 202621%
rise in the fall death rate since 2018
The age-adjusted fall death rate for adults 65 and older rose from 64.7 per 100,000 in 2018 to 78.4 per 100,000 in 2024.
CDC Older Adult Falls Data, updated September 202657.8M
Americans were age 65+ in 2022
Adults age 65 and older represented 17% of the U.S. population in 2022. The population is projected to approach 95 million, or 23% of the total, by 2060.
CDC National Center for Health Statistics, 2022 estimates and U.S. Census projections150
minutes of moderate activity each week
Federal guidance for adults 65 and older includes 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity, strength work on 2 or more days, and balance activities.
CDC Physical Activity Basics, updated December 2025What these figures can and cannot say
These figures describe U.S. population-level patterns. They are not a personal fitness prescription or a substitute for clinical guidance. A person’s appropriate activity plan depends on their health, movement history, goals, and any medical considerations.
For adults 65 and older, the federal recommendations deliberately include more than cardio. Strength and balance matter too. That broader view is especially useful when the goal is to support day-to-day capability, not simply check off exercise minutes.
Methodology and sources
The activity estimates on this page come from the National Health Interview Survey, a nationally representative household survey of the U.S. civilian, noninstitutionalized population. Fall figures come from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s older adult fall surveillance. Guideline figures summarize federal guidance, not the results of a new study.
- CDC National Center for Health Statistics, Aerobic Physical Activity Among Adults Age 18 and Older: United States, 2024
- CDC National Center for Health Statistics, Characteristics of Older Adults Who Met Federal Physical Activity Guidelines: United States, 2022
- CDC, Older Adult Falls Data
- CDC, What Counts as Physical Activity for Older Adults
Cite this page
Phit Physique Power Pilates. “Older Adult Physical Activity Statistics.” Updated September 30, 2026. https://phitphysique.com/older-adult-physical-activity-statistics
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