The OSF Saint Francis Medical Exercise Program at the Riverplex, located at 600 N.E. Water Street in Peoria, is recognizing the unique needs of older adults in the community by partnering with the nationally recognized Healthways SilverSneakers® Fitness Program.
Area older adults are invited to an open house on Friday, November 6, 2009 from 9 AM to Noon at the Riverplex to see all the amenities and enroll in SilverSneakers. A SilverSneakers class demonstration will be held from 10:45 – 11:45 AM.
SilverSneakers is the nation’s leading exercise program designed exclusively for older adults and is available at no additional cost (beyond any monthly premium) to eligible Medicare health plan and group retiree members. While new to the OSF Saint Francis Medical Exercise Program at the Riverplex, SilverSneakers has been helping older adults get fit, have fun and make friends in the greater Peoria area for four years with locations at the Peoria YMCA, EastSide Centre, Pekin YWCA and Gold’s Gym in Morton.
With more than 1,000 local members enrolled, it has quickly become one of the most important fitness programs in the community. The OSF Saint Francis Medical Exercise Program at the Riverplex is joining more than 9,000 participating SilverSneakers locations across the country in offering older adults a way to increase their levels of physical activity while motivating them to remain active.
SilverSneakers was founded in 1992 and is the nation’s leading exercise program designed exclusively for older adults, offering an innovative blend of physical activity, healthy lifestyle and socially-oriented programming.
“Research points to the significant health benefits of regular exercise for older adults,” says SilverSneakers Account Manager Debi Rotz. “This has really made such a difference in the Greater Peoria area for so many people. It has meant less medication and chronic illness and more independence and quality of life. After participating in SilverSneakers on a regular basis, members are able to do anything they want again.”
With the SilverSneakers premier network, members have a complimentary membership with access to a variety of participating locations throughout the country. Many sites offer amenities such as fitness equipment, treadmills and free weights, and the signature SilverSneakers Fitness Program classes, designed specifically for older adults and taught by certified instructors. Additional signature classes, such as YogaStretch, SilverSplash® and Cardio Circuit may be available at select locations. A designated staff member will assist members along the way.
To find out if you are eligible for SilverSneakers, contact your health plan provider. For more information about the SilverSneakers Fitness Program visit www.silversneakers.com or call 888-423-4632.