For all of the remarkable technological
developments over the course of the last fifty years, one of the most
intriguing trends across the national landscape is the fitness movement, which
has evolved into a massive industry. Physical fitness is, of course, a
significant aspect of an individual’s overall health and wellbeing, as it
impacts the functionality of all major organs in the human body.
While the association of fitness and health
may appear obvious at times, this can easily be forgotten in a day and age when
treatments abound, pills are everywhere and sedentary habits are structured
into work and life responsibilities for many people across the country.
Even less conspicuous is the relationship
between social interaction and overall health. Last year WebMD published
an article entitled “Loneliness Rivals
Obesity, Smoking as Health Risk.” The explosion of social media use among teens
in the last decade tends to dominate the discourse surrounding the topic these
days, yet the dilemma of isolation for seniors is nothing new.
In order to support physical activity and social
isolation, for which elderly individuals are particularly vulnerable, Tivity
Health launched the SilverSneakers program nearly thirty years ago, back when
the fitness scene appealed to a much narrower demographic. It is now the
nation’s leading community fitness program for older Americans. Membership in
the program includes access to every participating gym and fitness center in
the network, which boasts more than 16,000 locations.
“SilverSneakers is about empowering older
adults to live with dignity, and to age healthier, at home or in their
community,” said Steve Janicak, President, Healthcare Division at Tivity. “It
began as a physical fitness initiative but the program has evolved beyond
that.”
Communities feed off of commonality, so
participants in the program organically build friendships while they burn
calories together. “We know social isolation and loneliness are big issues for
the senior population,” Janicak said. “Yes, there’s a physical component to
this where people go into a facility and go to a class and they work out, but
what we really notice is the social connectivity that happens as a result of
the people in those classes.”
Although a particular fitness class may prove
to be the catalyst for interaction, Janicak says the companionship frequently
grows from there and extends beyond the workouts. “Members see each other
outside of the class,” he said. “They have birthday parties, they go out to
lunch. Really it is building social networks and their own little communities.
The members really look out for each other, so if somebody doesn’t show up one
day, they’ll call them.”
Every group can benefit from exceptional
individuals and SilverSneakers recognizes one member each year with the
National Inspiration Award. This year, the award went to Greensboro, North
Carolina, resident Lonnie Cathy.
“I’ve always tried to stay active for health
reasons in particular,” Cathy said. “When I get up in the morning to go
exercise, I feel better the rest of the day.”
A retired information technology manager
from North Carolina A&T State University, Cathy has lost 30 pounds,
participated in several marathons and achieved his black belt in martial arts
since joining SilverSneakers. He and his wife also perform together on stage in
the Fred Astaire ballroom dance showcases at the Carolina Theatre.
Being around peers drew Cathy to the program
and he says the camaraderie has helped him reach his goals. “I think exercise
works better in group settings,” he said. “This was a great group of people my
age who had the same goals – and that was to stay healthy and stay fit.”
To learn more about SilverSneakers,
click here.
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