Silver Sneakers is a fitness program for those 65 years of age or older. It is offered as a benefit under some Medicare plans.  

About Silver Sneakers

Silver Sneakers began as a fitness program founded by Mary Swanson in 1992. It started as a network of gyms that could offer program fitness programs for seniors. In time, it began to be included in many Medicare plans. There are thousands of healthcare centers and gyms that form a part of the Silver Sneakers network in the country.

The aim of the Silver Sneakers program is to improve the quality of life for the elderly population. It does so by offering them access to workouts and fitness programs as per their health needs.

Eligibility

First, you need to be 65 or older to be eligible for the program. Second, you need to be on the Medicare plan that offers it.

The plans can vary from state to state. You can conduct a simple online search to know more about the eligibility factors. For instance, use search terms such as Silver Sneakers San Antonio Texas, to know about the availability of the program for your state. Then, you can inquire about your eligibility if the Silver Sneakers program is available in your state.

Silver Sneakers is not offered under Medicare Parts A and B., but it is often a benefit of the Medicare C plans, also known as Medicare Advantage. If you have any Medicare Supplement plans Texas, you may qualify for the Silver Sneakers program.

You can get in touch with an independent insurance agent to know more about your eligibility. If you find checking things online overwhelming, you can always reach out to your insurance provider or agent for specific details.

The idea is to not miss out on this fabulous benefit. So, it is best to find out the eligibility details if you have Medicare Advantage or any supplement plan. It is best to inquire about the Silver Sneakers’ eligibility and availability before you buy any supplement plan. 

The Way it Works

If you are enrolled in the Silver Sneakers program; you will receive your membership card from Medicare. You can use it to get membership of any fitness club that you like (provided it is part of the Silver Sneakers network).

You will be able to use the club’s facilities as often as you would like. You won’t have any restrictions in terms of the maximum or even minimum visits. You can even visit other facilities in the network during your travels.

You can even visit more than one participating gym. If your neighborhood participating gym doesn’t offer Pilates, you can always choose another gym offering it in addition to any other fitness facility you use.

Program Details and Benefits

If you have access to the Silver Sneakers program, you don’t need to pay any additional fee for participating in a network gym’s fitness classes.

You will have access to a variety of fitness programs such as yoga, weight training, Pilates, and others. You will have access to trainers in the gym who can guide you to your right schedule as per your health needs. You can borrow on-demand videos to use at home from your network gyms. The network gyms have programs available with them, which are specially designed for seniors. For instance, fitness programs to improve cardiac health or mobility are likely to be available for Silver Sneakers members.

You will also have the company of others and will be able to exercise in a fun environment. The company of others and access to certified trainers can be helpful in keeping the motivation levels of the seniors high.

The entire program helps keep the physical, mental, and emotional health of the elderly in top shape.

Inactivity can lead to various health problems, especially in the old age. A lack of companionship can affect a person’s emotional and mental health. But with the help of the Silver Sneakers program, you can now keep your heart healthy, your limbs mobile, and your general well-being robust.

You can also track and manage your fitness programs via a mobile app designed for the Silver Sneakers members. You can access recipes and other educational materials via the Silver Sneakers website and other online resources available for the members.