Retire VA 2018 - 6

Staying in Shape with
the Aid of Medicare

Shannon Hylton's
classes at the Carter
Center often have
as many as 40
people taking part.

O

NE OF THE MOST POPULAR BENEFITS available
to Medicare recipients is the Silver Sneakers
fitness program. A large percentage of those with
Medicare Advantage are given free or low-cost gym
memberships with the program specifically designed
for them.
One survey concluded that 70 percent of those on
Medicare Advantage plans chose their plan because
of the Silver Sneakers component, which is available
in 13,000 gyms nationally. In the Roanoke Valley, there
are 19 locations where the program is prominent.
In this area of Virginia, Medicare Advantage plans
eligible for Silver Sneakers include Humana, AARP,
United Healthcare, Aetna, Anthem, Care First,
Piedmont Medicare Advantage and Innovation Health.
Nationally, 60 plans take part.
The program is designed for Medicare recipients,
meaning those 65 and older, but classes often have
6 / Retire-VA.com / RETIRE-VA 2019

younger people in them. The goal is not only to help
the aging population maintain physical conditioning,
but also to provide social interaction on a regular
basis.
Shannon Hylton, 43, has taught Silver Sneakers
classes at the Carter Center in Roanoke for "about six
years," she says, and "I love it." Like all SS trainers, she
went through extensive training and every two years
has to earn continuing education credit.
Her classes are often large-40 or so-and they
vary in difficulty and focus, but all lead to functional
fitness. Hylton emphasizes that those eligible for
Silver Sneakers classes "can use these facilities for any
classes" that are offered by the gym. Silver Sneakers
exercises most often revolve around chairs and stress
weight lifting, balance, stretching and aerobics.
For more information and to find a gym near you at
silversneakers.com.

DAN SMITH

Written and photographed by Dan Smith
http://www.silversneakers.com http://www.Retire-VA.com
Retire VA 2018

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