This research examines the influence of reasons for participation and social connectedness on the decision to join Senior Fit, a hospital-sponsored fitness program for those over 55. This work is significant because, through examination of motivation, the impact of opportunity is discussed through an ecological systems lens within the framework of social isolation as a social indicator of health. Because older adults (OAs) recognize the role social support plays in well-being, when given opportunity, will pursue social activities peers and within existing social networks. Benefits of exercise are known, but programs such as Senior Fit also contribute to social capital by providing meaningful, regular, structured activities. Methods: 257 surveys were completed and used to conduct a logistic regression to answer: What influence do reasons to participate and social connectedness have decisions to participate in Senior Fit? Results: Controlling for Depression and Life Satisfaction, First year participants are 3.94 times more likely to be seeking new friends than non-first year; non-first year participants are 98.6% more likely to have made new friends and a decrease of 1 on social connectedness increases odds of being a first-year participant by .28 times. Implications: Through an ecological lens, the choice to participate and perception of social connectedness influence the ability to interact within existing community structures to maintain and build social networks. This research demonstrates when available, OAs will participate in social activities, illustrating the effectiveness of Senior Fit as a mechanism to positively impact social isolation as a social indicator of health.
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