The SilverSneakers® Fitness Program: Preventive Medicine for Older Adults

Article submitted by Seniors Resource Guide Staff.
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Being physically active, eating healthy and following immunization recommendations is often referred to as preventive medicine. Preventive medicine provides benefits to all persons, including older adults as a means of engaging in healthy lifestyle behaviors that have a direct impact on the development of certain chronic diseases, such as heart disease, certain cancers, diabetes, and osteoporosis. As the prevalence of illness and specific chronic diseases increases with age; scientific studies show that staying physically active, eating a balanced diet and compliance with immunizations can help prevent or delay many diseases and disabilities (Centers for Disease Control, 2002).

Programs that focus on preventive medicine can have a profound impact on the overall health of the general older adult population. The SilverSneakers Fitness Program focuses on increasing physical activity levels among the older adult population and motivating older adults to continue to be active. In addition to being physically active, 54% of SilverSneaker Fitness Program members say their diet is healthier since joining the SilverSneaker Fitness Program; and 87% of SilverSneakers members nationally report planning to receive or receiving a flu shot during the year and 85% a pneumonia vaccine since turning 65, demonstrating greater compliance than the general older adult population.