YMCA Offering SilverSneakers® Fitness Program

Research Shows Older People Benefit from Staying Physically Active

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- The Montgomery County YMCAs offer a variety of wellness programs for the active older adult to “Live it Up” get fit, have fun, be healthy, stay independent and make new friends.

The SilverSneakers® Fitness Program is here to help you improve your health and is provided for you at no additional cost by your Medicare and Medicare Supplement health plan carriers that are part of the SilverSneakers® program. One of the many benefits of the SilverSneakers® program is a free membership to your local YMCA! For more information on which health plans offer the SilverSneakers® program please visit silversneakers.com.

“The National Institute on Aging finds that staying physically active and exercising regularly can help prevent or delay some diseases and disabilities as people grow older,” said Roxanne Davis, YMCA Group Marketing Director. “The lack of strength and poor balance can be predictors for falls as people age. Growing older shouldn’t have to mean losing your strength or ability to do everyday tasks and the other things you enjoy.”

Research indicates that regular physical activity is beneficial in preventing and helping to treat symptoms of certain chronic conditions. Exercise can positively impact heart disease, diabetes, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, obesity and other conditions, as well as enhance feelings of well-being and reduce feelings of depression and anxiety.

In addition, researchers at the University of Illinois say people who want to keep their brains in gear through old age might begin by getting their feet moving. Adults, ages 58 – 78, registered a higher level of activity under magnetic resonance brain imaging after beginning an exercise program than before, according to the study published by the National Academy of Sciences. Tests which measured decision making also showed significant improvement.

At the YMCA, not only do we focus on senior health fitness, we make sure our older adult members know they are an important part of our YMCA family. Studies show that older adults are seeking more than physical benefits when they come to the YMCA . . . they also want a sense of community and to strengthen social ties. Meet new friends every time you visit the YMCA. The YMCA offers several exercise and social opportunities for older adults, including: Water aerobics, SilverSneakers® Sit and fit exercise classes, SilverSneakers® YogaStretch, Seniorcize Aerobic classes, Monthly Field trips, Social gatherings including potluck lunches, birthday breakfast and lunch outings twice a month and volunteer opportunities.

The South Montgomery County YMCA is located at 6145 Shadowbend Place in The Woodlands. For more information please call 281 367-9622 or visit their Web site.