SILVER SNEAKERS FITNESS
I write Generation Fit for seniors 50+, but this week I want to talk about SilverSneakers, which is restricted to those 65 or older (or otherwise on Medicare). If you’re younger than this, it’s something to look forward to or you may know someone older who is unaware of the program.
Spin class with instructor
SilverSneakers® is the nation’s leading fitness program designed exclusively for older adults. It’s available at no charge by many insurance carriers for members of their Medicare Advantage plans. Some Medicare Supplement insurers and plans with group retirees also offer the program. Carriers who provide memberships differ state to state. In California they include Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Humana, Kaiser Permanente, Scan and United HealthCare (through their AARP insurance programs) plus others.
Over 13.5 million people are eligible for SilverSneakers. Just fill out a form on www.silversneakers.com and they’ll check instantly to see if your health plan covers a free membership. If they do, they’ll mail you a member card (plus you can print out one instantly).
The benefits include:
- Access to conditioning classes, exercise equipment, pool, sauna and other available amenities
- Customized SilverSneakers classes designed exclusively for older adults who want to improve their strength, flexibility, balance and endurance
- Health education seminars and other events that promote the benefits of a healthy lifestyle
- A specially trained Program Advisor at the fitness center to introduce you to SilverSneakers and help you get started
- Member-only access to online support that can help you lose weight, quit smoking or reduce your stress
- Meeting new friends, learning new things, and getting involved at health fairs and social events
I use my SilverSneakers membership at my local YMCA for the pool and sauna plus BodyPump (see my BodyPump post for more information) and yoga classes.
SilverSneakers swimmers
More than 13,000 participating fitness centers across the country accept SilverSneakers members. This includes (many but not all): YMCA, Gold’s Gyms, LA Fitness, 24 Hour Fitness, Anytime Fitness, Curves and numerous local gyms. You can join more than one in your community (say one for their pool, one for their yoga programs, one for their exercise equipment). And you can use your membership when you travel, just by showing your card.
For options outside the traditional fitness location, you can try SilverSneakers FLEX™ with classes including tai chi, yoga, and walking groups offered at local parks and recreation centers. If there are no participating locations near you, you can sign up for SilverSneakers Steps and exercise your own way. You’ll get a choice of four kits – general fitness, strength, walking and yoga – to use at home or when you travel.
SilverSneakers members also have access to HealthwaysFIT, which offers nutrition and fitness plans, health articles and exercise videos.
According to Tivity Health, who runs SilverSneakers Fitness, 42% of members had no prior fitness membership before joining the program and some 95% of members consistently give the program high ratings. Also 60% of participants reported their health as “excellent” or “very good” compared with 30% of seniors nationally.
Check out if you’re eligible for SilverSneakers. You’ll have free access to a massive network of gyms, classes, instructors and equipment, all at no cost to you.