SilverSneakers: A Health and Fitness Program for Seniors
- Learn about SilverSneakers, a health and fitness program available through Medicare Advantage for older adults. Discover what it includes, how the program works and who's eligible to enroll.
SilverSneakers® is a health and fitness program for older adults, and while it's not covered by Medicare Parts A and B, which are called Original Medicare, SilverSneakers membership may be covered by some Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) plans.
Learn more details about SilverSneakers and why it might be a great option for you.
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What Is SilverSneakers?
SilverSneakers provides gym access and fitness class options for seniors and older adults. It's covered by some Medicare Advantage plans.
Participation in SilverSneakers may be extremely beneficial — one study in 2019 found that frequently attending SilverSneakers programs and classes resulted in a higher quality of life for seniors.
If it's included in your Medicare Advantage plan, you can benefit from everything SilverSneakers has to offer at no additional cost to you.
Who's Eligible for SilverSneakers?
While designed for older adults age 65 and up and is included with some Medicare plans, there is no age requirement.
Through membership to SilverSneakers, you have access to over 17,000 fitness locations and 70+ fitness classes, some of which can be completed at home on your own time.
You can check your SilverSneakers eligibility online.
After checking eligibility, you can create an online account and download a SilverSneakers membership card to be used at a fitness center nearest you, or you can use it to access exercise programs online.
SilverSneakers Classes
Fitness classes are designed with older adults in mind and focus on increasing muscle strength, range of movement, balance and improving activities of daily living. Many workouts are low-impact and can be modified for seniors with limited abilities, such as using a chair for standing support.
Other choices include yoga, modified tai chi and aerobic swimming classes.
SilverSneakers LIVE Classes
Some exercise programs are available virtually via Zoom, so you can take part in classes from the comfort of home. The SilverSneakers website has a viewable schedule of programs for SilverSneakers LIVE, which makes it easy to choose the classes you're most interested in.
SilverSneakers Locations
The program has partnered with 17,000 fitness and community centers across the United States, so there's bound to be a location in your neighborhood. SilverSneakers LIVE virtual classes and workshops are also offered for seniors who can't make it to an in-person location, either because of health reasons or distance.
You can search for a SilverSneakers location near you using your city and state or ZIP code.
Additional Resources
For more information about the SilverSneakers program, including available classes, eligibility and informative articles, you can visit the SilverSneakers website.