Have you ever woken up feeling worse than you did the day before, yet you haven’t done anything differently? That’s what aging feels like on some days, but it doesn’t have to feel that way. We need exercise more than ever during our golden years.
As we age we become used to less activity, which means our bodies aren’t able to perform the way they used to. Little to no exercise in old age can lead to health conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and diabetes, just to name a few.
SilverSneakers goal is to help the Medicare generation defy the odds of becoming anything less than healthy, fit seniors.
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What is SilverSneakers?
SilverSneakers is a fitness program that is offered people who are eligible for Medicare and enrolled in certain qualifying health insurance plans. The program provides seniors with a membership which they can use across the nation at more than 15,000 gym locations.
SilverSneakers is a diverse program in the way that they offer many different types of workout programs. They have created exclusive fitness classes where only members are able to take part in. These member-only classes are called FLEX classes. There is a wide variety of FLEX classes ranging from calming yoga to intense boot camp. FLEX classes are usually held at places like community centers and parks.
In addition to the FLEX classes, SilverSneakers also offers exclusive classes within the gym. Some examples of SilverSneakers classes you can sign up for at your local gym are SilverSneakers Classic, Circuit, CardioFit, Splash, Stability, and BOOM. Each class offers a different level of workout intensity so that members from all fitness levels can participate.
Making Friends While Getting Fit
Most of the SilverSneakers members enjoy their free gym access and fitness classes because they are able to live a healthier lifestyle. Yet, that’s not the only benefit members get from their SilverSneakers experience.
According to a survey that SilverSneakers asked their members to take, 75% of active members have made friends through the program.
Friends are sometimes our greatest supporters. Therefore, being able to have them by your side motivating you while you motivate them can make all the difference. Having a friend in your FLEX class or simply having someone to ride to the gym with can be the one thing that makes you actually excited to use your SilverSneakers membership.
Medicare and SilverSneakers
There are a few ways beneficiaries are able to get a SilverSneakers membership through Medicare. The main way is enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan through an insurance carrier that partners with SilverSneakers.
Many popular insurance carriers partner with SilverSneakers and offer their Medicare clients SilverSneakers memberships. Carriers such as United Healthcare, Aetna, Humana, and Blue Cross Blue Shield all currently offer some Medicare Advantage plans with a SilverSneakers benefit.
Although most SilverSneakers memberships are obtained through Medicare Advantage plans, some people with Medicare Supplement plans have a SilverSneakers membership. It’s important to note that your location of residence can determine what type of plan options you have that offer a SilverSneakers benefit.
The Importance of Exercise in Medicare Age
Exercise and staying fit can make a world of difference in how we feel inside our bodies. Without the proper nutrition and exercise, our daily living can become much more difficult than it should be.
Over the years, SilverSneakers has been able to better the lives of many of their members. These members often feel like the quality of their lives has improved. They enjoy feeling healthier and they often feel that their health is better than it was before joining.
SilverSneakers truly cares about the senior population and continues to support seniors in their transformation into a healthier lifestyle.
