“Getting older doesn’t mean keeping still,” said Sherri Lucas, a fitness instructor at the Carondelet Park Rec Complex operated by the YMCA St. Louis.
Agreed.
In addition, what if you could get your body moving at the gym for free?
You could say that’s the silver lining inside the SilverSneaker.
Adults age 65 and up, with Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement carrier plans and group retiree plans, the SilverSneakers fitness program is offered at no additional out-of-pocket cost for most members. More than 65 major health plans across the U.S. offer the program as part of their coverage.
Lucas has been teaching a SilverSneakers basic weight training class at the facility for more than a year, which averages about 25 participants and growing. She said the program is flexible in how it recognizes the levels of ability among participants.
“The whole thing about SilverSneakers, it understands the different capabilities of the people taking the class,” Lucas said. “It takes into account that, for this population, they may be new to exercise; they may be frail; they may be beginning exercises or may have quit exercising and have come back to it; or they may be working with injury.”
Founded in 1992 by Healthways, the award-winning SilverSneakers fitness program serves more than 11 million eligible members in more than 11,000 participating fitness and wellness facilities nationwide.
Cardio, circuit training, yoga, step and spin are some of the aerobic activities available to members, with amenities and offerings varying by location.
In Lucas’ class, they use chairs for stability, resistance bands for strength, exercise balls for range-of-motion and eye-hand coordination and light free weights – but no on-the-floor movement.
“In our routines, we incorporate balance … strength, and range of motion exercise, so it’s like a total body workout,” Lucas described.
Increasing joint mobility and overall physical improvement is the goal.
“It’s really great for the older adult population because it’s very intuitive in terms of monitoring heart rates and exertion,” Lucas added. “By doing that we also train people to recognize how hard they are working so they can get the most out of their workout.”
According to its 2013 Annual Member Survey of over 35,000 of its 11 million eligible members nationwide, Healthways Silver Sneakers Fitness participants site 50 percent improvement in chronic disease conditions, like high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes. The survey reports a 59 percent improvement in arthritis pain, 49 percent improvement in limb numbness and a 59 percent improvement in lower back pain.
“The Annual Member Survey provides deep insights into the health and well-being of today’s active older adults, and we are seeing an unprecedented dedication to physical health through fitness,” said Joy Powell, president of Healthways Senior Solutions Division. “Participants made it clear that they are more passionate and dedicated to their health than any previous generation.”
Ben Steele of St. Louis walked in malls and through his neighborhood for 40 years or more until he learned he was eligible.
“I also walk in the park, and I heard someone say something about SilverSneakers, so I called my insurance [Medicare Complete] and they said I was eligible,” Steele said.
He dedicates a portion of most days to physical activity.
“I go five days a week, then I walk from a mile-and-a-half to two miles, and then I get on the bike and I do two to three miles on the bike – every day and sometimes on Sundays,” Steel said.
Insurance representative Dorris Ukoh of St. Louis enrolled her 84-year old mother into the program.
“If I am presenting a program or a plan to a customer, it seems like the physical fitness program has become more of a thing for them to consider when they are considering the different plans,” Ukoh said.
Socializing matters
Nearly 41 percent of SilverSneakers survey participants report they attend class to socialize and almost 60 percent of members participate in classes with a friend. That interaction with others is important, Lucas said.
“A lot of people will come to my class and pick up the weights and then they’ll go get into the arthritis class or then there’s a pool walk, where people just get in the pool and walk and talk,” Lucas said. “That’s also a really important component for older adults to have the socialization.”
Steel praises the benefits of the program.
“I know it’s excellent. If anybody can get into to, they ought to do it today,” Steel said. “I just left my cardiologist … I usually go there every year for a checkup, so at 80, she said I’m doing fine.”
Fitness chains as well as independent gyms participate in SilverSneakers. To find a participating location near you, visit silversneakers.com.
