Silverthorne's SilverSneakers programs improves senior fitness

SILVERTHORNE — It's hard to get anything for free nowadays. But for some older adults, a free membership to the Silverthorne Recreation Center can be attained through their health insurance.

The SilverSneakers fitness program, a better wellness arrangement between health insurance agencies and the rec center, is specifically designed for older adults as preventative health care. Members of the program receive a basic fitness center membership at no cost through their insurance.

To receive a free membership, older adults aged 65 and up must have specified coverage from either Humana, Secure Horizons or AARP. Interested people must check with their health insurance provider to see if their specific policy is accepted.

“Come to the front desk to see if you're eligible,” said Renee Rogers, Silverthorne Recreation Center's fitness coordinator and a senior advisor to the program.

And for older adults who don't live in the community full-time, the SilverSneakers program is found at other participating recreation facilities throughout the country.

Exercise as preventative health care

There are many reasons to exercise — endurance, better fitting pants, lower cholesterol.

But fitness and wellness is also better business. It means that people are potentially healthier because they are active, and thus less likely to need invasive (and expensive) medical procedures.

Research has shown that consistent exercise and better health is a win-win situation for the person and the insurance agencies, Rogers said. Preventative health care measures like this — giving people memberships to keep fitness a priority — will benefit both individuals and insurance agencies wanting healthy clients.

“It's a great program that we've had that's really picked up,” said Joanne Breigenzer, the recreation and culture director for the Town of Silverthorne.

SilverSneakers is definitely growing in popularity — it started locally in 2006 with seven participants, and its numbers currently stand at 150.

“We're right on track,” Rogers said of participation numbers. She also noted that summer is the busiest SilverSneakers season.

Included in the membership to Silverthorne's rec center are fitness classes, free equipment orientation for cardio and strength training equipment, and social events, like hikes and lectures. Information on all activities are available at the rec center.

“The classes can be challenging — you pick the pace and your weights and make it what works for you,” Rogers said.

Caitlin Row can be reached at (970) 668-4633 or at crow@summitdaily.com.