Forget the dated, negative stereotype of frail blue-haired grannies needing help crossing the street. Judging from a new survey, it seems as if younger folks may need Baby Boomers’ help carrying the groceries.

Almost all (97 percent) of Baby Boomers and seniors polled stated that they are in good, very good or excellent health. Nearly half of the respondents (45 percent) maintained that they rate above average in physical fitness. Overall, respondents stated that they believed that exercise is essential for achieving and maintaining their levels of fitness, and 42 percent remarked that they feel and look better due to their exercise regimen.

The study, which polled over 4,500 respondents over the age of 50, was commissioned by health benefits company Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM) and the SilverSneakers® Fitness Program, a product of Healthways, and was conducted on eons.com, the Web site of Eons, Inc., a 50-plus media company.

“We’ve been working with the 50-plus age population for a long time, whether through our commercial and Medicare business or through our relationship with SilverSneakers and Eons,” said Dr. Robert Pope, medical director for Humana’s senior segment in a public statement. “We’ve consistently promoted the benefits of physical activity and healthier lifestyles, but it’s encouraging to see that seniors are taking it all so seriously. It’s difficult to get motivated at any age, and I think we can all learn a lesson from the exercise habits of these seniors.”

Nearly three-quarters (74 percent) of respondents at least three days a week, and over one-third (33 percent) work out at least five days a week. Nearly half (46 percent) have been committed to exercise over the long term; they responded that they have been exercising for over five years.

“Through our work with the 50-plus population, we know that boomers really understand the benefits of a healthy lifestyle,” said Jeff Taylor, founder and CEO of Eons in a press release. “This survey showed us that health consciousness among people in this age group is much more widespread than many think. Getting excited about exercise becomes more difficult with age, so we’re happy to see such a large portion of people 50 plus are staying active to stay healthy.”

What do work out fiends over 50 focus most on when they exercise? Almost two-thirds (63 percent) are more concerned with their midsection than any other part of their body, while 10 percent complain about their hips or rear end, and a mere 5 percent don’t like their legs.

 

As for what seniors like to do most to get and stay in shape, half prefer walking and power walking, with 39 percent stating that if they had the free time to indulge in any fitness activity, taking a long walk would be their choice. Nearly half (47 percent) enjoy exercising outdoors, while 40 percent prefer to exercise in their home, and 43 percent like to work out alone.

 

In addition, motivating factors to maintain a fitness regimen include feeling better (34 percent), while 17 percent report having lost weight since taking up exercise. A majority (61 percent) stated that they began exercising to look and feel good, while a minority said it was due to doctor’s orders (5 percent) or an immediate health issue (9 percent), debunking the myth that older people take on exercise for medical reasons.

 

Most faithful exercisers over 50 maintain their regimen due to their personal beliefs about fitness (44 percent), and not because of pressure from their children (less than 3 percent), doctor (less than 3 percent), or a friend (2 percent). Over two thirds (67 percent) assert that they exercise in order to improve their overall health and maintain their fitness level. 

 

Nearly a quarter (22 percent) state that they would like their next vacation to be an adventurous one, and that given free time, they would like to go kayaking or canoeing.