Blue Shield of California to offer Healthways' SilverSneakers Fitness Program to Medicare beneficiaries

Healthways SilverSneakers(R) Fitness Program promotes fitness, fun and friends!

Blue Shield of California announced today that it will expand its contract with Healthways, Inc. to offer the SilverSneakers® Fitness Program to Blue Shield Medicare Advantage members in San Bernardino County. SilverSneakers, which Blue Shield already offers in Los Angeles and Orange counties, is the nation's leading exercise program for older adults. Blue Shield members in San Bernardino can join the program at no additional cost as of January 1.

"As a company committed to improving the health of our members, Blue Shield is proud to expand the incredibly popular SilverSneakers Fitness Program and continue to offer it at no additional cost," said Marc Russo, vice president of Senior Markets at Blue Shield of California. "SilverSneakers makes it easier for our Medicare Advantage members to take greater control of their health and maintain an active, independent lifestyle."

The SilverSneakers Fitness Program, designed exclusively for older adults and taught by certified instructors, offers an innovative blend of physical activity, healthy lifestyle direction and social opportunities to Medicare-eligible individuals. Studies have found that older adults who participate in SilverSneakers have a significantly lower risk of depression and require fewer admissions to the hospital.

Using the SilverSneakers premier network, Blue Shield of California members get access to a variety of participating fitness and wellness facilities throughout the country, including such popular locations as Curves® and Bally Total Fitness®. Many sites offer amenities such as exercise equipment, treadmills and free weights, and the signature SilverSneakers fitness classes. Additional signature classes, such as YogaStretch and SilverSplash® may be available at select locations. Designated SilverSneakers staff members are available to guide members along the way.

"We're happy that Blue Shield of California is making SilverSneakers available to its members in an effort to help them achieve their personal best health," said Rene Ellington, Healthways' leader for SilverSneakers client management. "We believe that everyone, regardless of age, is capable of achieving this goal, and SilverSneakers is a proven support system to help make it a reality." Ellington adds, "We're honored to expand our work with Blue Shield of California to include San Bernardino, and we look forward to equipping more Blue Shield members with this life-changing tool that is destined to help them find fitness, fun and friends."

Eligible members will only need to show their Blue Shield identification card and complete a short form at a participating location to activate their membership in SilverSneakers.