The recognition of the importance of healthy, active lifestyles in the older adult population has increased dramatically in recent years. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of older Americans is expected to more than double to 70 million by 2030, making the awareness — and ultimate need — for increased physical activity for this population even greater. The nationally recognized SilverSneakers program encourages Medicare-eligible individuals to increase their levels of physical activity and motivates them to stay active. HCD works with Medicare Advantage health plans and Medicare Supplement carriers to offer the physical activity, lifestyle and socially oriented benefit program to older adults in fitness centers across the country.
SilverSneakers includes a free basic membership to a participating fitness center, with access to all amenities and the program’s signature group exercise class. Members also enjoy social events as well as health seminars and workshops. Additionally, SilverSneakers’ unique national reciprocity program allows members to use any participating fitness center across the nation.
In addition to this new working relationship, the ICAA also recently announced the appointment of HCD founder, president and CEO Mary Swanson to its advisory board. « We are very excited about this new partnership with the ICAA, » said Swanson. « Our SilverSneakers program is a natural fit with the ICAA’s mission to change society’s perceptions of aging while improving the quality of life for the older population, and my new role as an advisory board member will better allow our shared vision to grow. »
About the SilverSneakers® Fitness Program
The SilverSneakers® Fitness Program is the nation’s leading exercise program designed exclusively for older adults. The award-winning program is the signature offering of HealthCare Dimensions (HCD), the Arizona-based organization that promotes health through unique physical activity programs and venues. HCD serves as the cornerstone of AXIA Health Management’s suite of products that strive to improve the health of individuals in specific population segments. AXIA provides comprehensive, integrated health management programs that prevent or delay the effects of disease or injury. HCD works with Medicare Advantage health plans and Medicare Supplement carriers to offer SilverSneakers to older adults in more than 1,100 contracted fitness centers and class sites across the United States. Today, nearly 1.8 million Medicare beneficiaries in 31 states are eligible for the program. For more information about the SilverSneakers® Fitness Program, please call 800-295-4993 or visit www.silversneakers.com.
About the International Council on Active Aging
The International Council on Active Aging (ICAA) is the world’s largest association dedicated to changing the way we age by uniting and working with professionals in the retirement, assisted living, recreation, fitness, rehabilitation and wellness fields. It connects like-minded professionals who share the goals of changing society’s perceptions of aging and improving the quality of life for aging Baby Boomers and older adults within the six dimensions of wellness. The council supports these professionals with education, information, resources and tools, so they can achieve optimal success with this growing market. For more information on the ICAA, please visit www.icaa.cc.