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Senior Resources » Elder Law » Does Medicare Cover SilverSneakers Exercise Programs in 2023?

Does Medicare Cover SilverSneakers Exercise Programs in 2023?

Older adults with even a moderate fitness level have a longer life expectancy than physically inactive seniors. Physical activity can help reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke, lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure, improve balance and flexibility, and reduce back pain (to name just a few benefits!). Those who remain physically active experience fewer disabilities and a higher quality of life. In fact, the older you are, the more you need to exercise regularly (with your doctor’s approval, of course).

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SilverSneakers Program users doing water weights

What is SilverSneakers?

SilverSneakers is a safe, fun program that provides a wide variety of options for exercise, specially designed for seniors. If you belong to SilverSneakers, you have access to basic fitness center memberships at any participating location, as well as special fitness classes, activities, and health and nutrition education designed for older adults. Whether your goals are to lose weight, increase strength and stamina, improve flexibility and range of motion, or just remain physically and socially active, a SilverSneakers membership can help you reach those goals.

Where Can I Find SilverSneakers?

SilverSneakers locations are chosen for their safety, accessibility, amenities, and overall welcoming environment. They have a variety of fitness equipment available, varying by location. Members may have access to weight machines, free weights, treadmills and other cardio machines, pools, saunas, and even whirlpools. To become a certified SilverSneakers participating location, each gym has to go through an extensive process to show it is capable of providing the level of access, guidance, and support that older adults need to exercise safely and effectively. Each participating location also has a trained Program Advisor who is usually available Monday through Friday to help you make the most of your SilverSneakers membership.

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As well as providing equipment for independent exercise, SilverSneakers locations provide classes that can be components of your membership. These fitness classes are specifically designed for older adults, and taught by certified instructors who are specially trained in leading fitness programs for aging adults. All SilverSneakers class instructors undergo an in-person training and evaluation process. They are all CPR-certified and are trained in the procedures to follow in case of emergency.

senior woman stretching on a mat

What Can I Expect at SilverSneakers?

SilverSneakers classes range from 45 minutes to an hour in length, vary in intensity, and offer multiple formats to fit your personal needs and interests. You can choose from Muscular Strength and Range of Movement, Cardio Circuit, Yoga Stretch, and Silver Splash (available at locations with pools). Depending on which classes you choose to participate in, you can increase your muscular strength, endurance, range of movement, flexibility, balance, agility, and coordination.

Read Next: 5 Healthy Eating Tips for Boomers

Social interaction can be almost as beneficial to the health and well-being of older adults as exercise. SilverSneakers programs offer ongoing activities like potlucks, raffles, dances, and speaker events, providing a good variety of options to add to your social calendar.

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Should I Join a Program?

Life is too short to waste it feeling unwell, lethargic, or afraid to do things because you feel weak or brittle or unsure of your balance. Get out there and get active. You will be amazed at what you can do in and out of the gym after taking advantage of the SilverSneakers program.

When you enroll in the SilverSneakers program, you will be provided with a list of participating locations near you, explaining the amenities at each facility. You can also take your membership with you when you travel, to use at any SilverSneakers participating fitness center across the country.

medicare with a magnifying glass

Does Medicare Cover SilverSneakers Exercise Programs in 2023?

Now here comes the good news: many Medicare insurance plans cover the full cost of the SilverSneakers program! That means you get a gym membership for free. My wife has a Medicare Supplemental program with United Health Care through AARP and they sent her a SilverSneakers card which she took to our local gym and she has the same membership for free that I pay for. Some Medicare Advantage insurance plans also offer the SilverSneakers program.



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Originally published March 31, 2023

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