STATE COLLEGE — Perhaps nothing is more important than staying active after retirement; after all, it is tempting after a life of work to want to sit and relax. But getting and staying active as we grow older can have numerous benefits. The Silver Sneakers program helps older adults do just that, and it is offered as part of many insurance plans once people retire.
“It gives seniors a chance to get access to health clubs like the YMCA with no cost and be involved in certain classes for free,” said Cindy Luptin, who manages the Silver Sneakers program at the State College Family YMCA.
Along with the YMCA, many other fitness clubs in the area offer memberships as part of the Silver Sneakers program, including Planet Fitness, Anytime Fitness, The North Club, Lionheart Fitness, East Coast Health and Fitness and Victory Sport and Fitness. For many, the opportunity to visit the health clubs is a benefit.
“Being able to come to the Y helps me greatly,” said 76-year-old Brenda Black. “I am able take classes like the gentle yoga and gentle spin and it helps me manage my illness.”
Black developed a rare form of muscular dystrophy for which there is no cure, but coming to classes and staying active helps her manage her symptoms.
“Sometimes, I don’t want to come to the class, but when I do it helps alleviate some of the pain from my condition,” said Black.
Having the support of her teachers in the class and the other members at the YMCA helps her to keep coming back, she said. And for many, the social benefits of the gym are just as important as the health benefits of using the Silver Sneakers program.
“The social aspect of fitness classes is a huge boon to the health of seniors,” said Susan Rogacs, a Silver Sneakers member who also teaches Active Adult Total Fitness at the Y. “All these people come together in class and encourage each other to work as hard as they can, and then afterward they might sit down and talk, or enjoy a meal or go for a walk together. It is really encouraging.”
Rogacs said that people of any level of fitness can benefit from her class, and they will start slowly and eventually build to working harder.
“Some people are a little afraid at first, but once they come to class and meet everyone, they really enjoy themselves, love that they can do more things at home,” said Rogacs.
The YMCA benefits from having the Silver Sneakers member, and other seniors at the facility, said director of operations Scott Mitchell.
“We like to have as much diversity as possible, because the youngsters can learn from the older people, and the seniors can benefit from the energy that the younger people bring. We like to include everybody,” said Mitchell.
“Pickle ball has gotten very big here among the seniors, and you will see these retirees out on the court, remembering that competitive spirit, and it is so cool to see them out there like they are back on the school yard, having fun.”
The YMCA of Centre County and other gyms can help seniors figure out if they are eligible for Silver Sneakers or other opportunities.
“The most important thing is to get out of the house and stay active,” said Rogacs. “It will help everyone, no matter the age.”
Information about the Silver Sneakers program can be found at www.silversneakers.com.
