Do you know about SILVER SNEAKERS?
People aged 65 and over who have selected Medicare plans are eligible for Silver Sneakers for free. This widespread program to encourage exercise among senior citizens is available throughout the country in two ways. First, some fitness centers are designated as “Silver Sneaker” locations. What that means is, you check your eligibility on the website (silversneakers.com). If you are eligible, you can also print your membership card from the website and start going to the fitness center nearest you. For free. Yes, for free. At a Silver Sneakers location, you will find a way to sign in which looks like a tablet and scan your card. The management may want you to fill out a form with basic information as part of “joining” except that in this case “joining” has no fees attached. The fitness center is reimbursed by your Medicare.
One Silver Sneakers location in Waldo County, Maine is Point Lookout in Northport, which is open 7 days a week.
If you are unable to go to a center, there are free online classes and workouts on silversneakers.com from which to choose to play on your phone, computer, or tablet.
Even if you are not eligible for Silver Sneakers, nearly all Medicare plans encourage exercise. Call the number on the back of your card and inquire. It is common to be reimbursed up to $400 for a gym membership. But you have to make that call and ask.