What is SilverSneakers? Everything You Need to Know About the Program

Getting regular exercise and maintaining a social network gets more challenging as we get closer to old age. Silver Sneakers has come up with a perfect solution that can cater to the needs of 65+ adults. 

The Silver Sneakers program is designed in a way that covers all the needs of the elderly. If they wish to work out from the comfort of their homes or they want to connect through nearby Silver Sneakers gyms or community centers, the program has it all.

With age, the metabolism of the body starts slowing down; hence, it is important to be part of a community that encourages seniors to stay fit while also giving them the flexibility of options. 

SilverSneakers: An Overview

Silver Sneakers is a health and fitness program specially curated keeping in mind the needs of senior citizens and the importance of their well-being. They aim to motivate senior citizens to lead a healthy and active lifestyle. 

Silver Sneakers has launched a special health and fitness program where 65+ citizens can avail of benefits like: 

• Online fitness class: Those who want to avail themselves of the benefits of guided workouts but are within the comfort of their homes can opt for online fitness classes
• Trained instructors: You don’t have to worry about being active in your senior years, as the trained instructors are well-versed in the fitness of elderly citizens 
• Gym membership: You can check with the gyms near your house to see if they are registered with Silver Sneakers. If yes, you can get a free membership to the gym.
• Group fitness classes: If you are someone who enjoys socializing, you can opt for group fitness classes and reap the benefits of both worlds
• Supportive community: The main goal of SilverSneakers is to provide a supportive community to elderly citizens both online and offline. 

SilverSneakers Program

What exactly does the Silver Sneakers program offer? What are the prerequisites for availing of the program? Is it only for senior citizens? We will be answering all your queries and diving deep into the program so you can be assured. 

If you are a Medicare beneficiary, you can avail yourself of the benefits of the Silver Sneaker fitness program. It is a membership program that allows qualified senior citizens to avail themselves of the benefits of around 14,000 gyms and fitness centers free of charge.

The members are free to choose any wellness program as per their preference, be it aerobics, swimming, tai chi, zumba, or any other recreational activity. The goal is to help senior adults connect with each other and create bonds that can help them lead a socially active lifestyle. 

SilverSneakers Eligibility Criteria and Cost

Silver Sneakers membership is free with eligible Medicare plans. Most Medicare Advantage (Part C) Plans cover a Silver Sneaker membership. You must be 65 or older to qualify as a member. You can check if you qualify and fulfill all the requirements to be a Silver Sneakers member. 

Don’t worry if your current Medicare Plan does not cover the Silver Sneakers program, you can opt for a new one that covers the program and avail of all the free fitness and wellness benefits.

Once you are done with the membership, you can easily locate ‘Silver Sneaker Near Me’ and plan your workout regime accordingly. 

A SilverSneakers membership is free of cost with a qualifying health insurance plan. But if you want to avail of any extra benefits that are not covered in the basic membership, like personal training and massage.

Healthcare Plans With SilverSneakers:

You can check with your current healthcare provider if they cover the SilverSneakers program. Here are the top-rated Medigap providers who offer the program at no added cost:

• Aetna
• BlueCross BlueShield
• Cigna
• Humana
• Kaiser Permanente

There are other options available as well that offer SilverSneakers with an added cost. Silver Sneakers Medicare is a great healthcare plan for seniors and hence we believe pricing should not be the primary factor while making a judgment.

Silver Sneakers Joining Procedure

Keep in mind that Silver Sneaker membership is only available to the elderly with a qualifying health insurance plan. You can not avail of the membership outside of the health insurance plan. 

If you do not have qualifying health insurance and are confused with all the options available in the market, check out this search tool to guide you through the available options in the market. 

If you are qualified to be a member, you can instantly get your Silver Sneakers membership ID online. You can use the ID for SilverSneaker login anytime.  They also have a free app for iOS and Android which makes it easier to carry your digital ID, discover classes near you, and also help track your workout. 

However, many other options are available if you want to stay fit during your advancing years. There are gyms and various recreational clubs that offer special programs for senior citizens. 

How to Find Silver Sneakers Near Me

Once you are a member, you can use your SilverSneakers login ID to find Silver Sneakers gym near me or other recreational centers by Silver Sneakers. Not all fitness centers are registered with the Silver Sneakers Medicare program. Hence, you need to use SilverSneakers location tracker to find a gym near you.  

Using the ‘Silver Sneakers Near Me’ feature, you can type in your PIN code or enter your complete address in the search bar to locate all the gyms and other recreational centers in and around your locality.

You can further filter down the search by selecting specific classes or amenities as per your preference. 

Not only that, but you can also view the services available at the listed gym like free weights, cardiovascular equipment, or resistance training. 

You also have the freedom to choose from any location in the SilverSneakers network and participate in as many activities as you desire. 

Benefits of Joining SilverSneakers

The importance of regular physical activity in adults can not be stressed enough. As we age, it gets harder to find a social circle, but it is an important element in the overall well-being of mind and body. 

Some of the benefits of Silver Sneakers include:

• Improved strength and stamina: With regular workouts, your body has a positive impact on your strength and stamina
• Better flexibility and balance: It is important to stay flexible to avoid injuries in old age that can lead to something major.
• Promotes independent living: The program aims to promote independent living for senior citizens, as they do not have to rely on anyone else to stay active and enjoy a social circle.
• Trained instructors: You are in safe hands with Silver Sneakers, as they have trained instructors who will guide you through each activity.
• Both indoor and outdoor activities: There is a wide range of options to choose from with both indoor and outdoor activities available
• Reduced anxiety and depression: Isolation in old age leads to mental health issues like anxiety and depression; hence, it is important to have a social circle that understands you and welcomes you with warm hands.
• Lower risk of heart disease: Regular physical activity and a healthy lifestyle reduce the risk of heart disease, which is otherwise higher in old age.

Conclusion

After a certain age, we all require special care. It is important to surround yourself with people who can motivate you and guide you towards a healthier lifestyle. If you are looking for a senior fitness program and have an eligible Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan, you can enjoy all the benefits offered by Silver Sneakers at zero cost.