SilverSneakers keeping seniors active for more than 30 years

William Tilton, The News-Herald, Willoughby, Ohio
·2 min read

Mar. 20—For more than 30 years, SilverSneakers has provided programs specifically to meet the desire of seniors to remain active and healthy.

While offered nationwide, SilverSneakers has proven to be a very popular option for participants at the Mentor Senior Center since 2018.

Celebrating its fifth anniversary in Mentor and more than three decades of healthy options for seniors across the U.S., classes are generally offered during normal center hours, usually last 45 minutes and while class size varies, participants often numbers around 30.

There are a variety of classes such as aerobic, weights, stretching and yoga.

Instructors are certified by the parent company, Tivity Health, which includes requirements for fitness, class training and CPR.

In Mentor, Pat Talladino instructs SilverSneakers Yoga, Circuit and Classic which includes strength, balance, and stretch moves. Denise Molesch teaches SilverSneakers Yoga, EnerChi and Stability.

"Participants of every ability enjoy the movement, camaraderie and the way it makes them feel," Molesch said. "Our goal is having them leave feeling better and more relaxed then when the arrived. These classes help participants perform daily functions in their lives, allowing them to stay independent."

Molesch added participants are 55 and older, and that teaching SilverSneakers classes is very rewarding and provides more than just a fun way to get the blood pumping.

"Participants often return session after session and become friends," Molesch said. "It is not only valuable exercise, but a social outlet."

SiverSneakers partnered with Medicare Advantage plans starting in 2006. Many other fitness centers, community centers and YMCAs also offer classes across the U.S.

During the pandemic, virtual offerings were increased to meet seniors needs, and SilverSneakers members can attend on-line classes free.

"We have so much fun and love the people," participant Mary Dietrich said. "The movement makes us feel so good."

Sharon Brenner, a group fitness instructor and certified personal trainer at the senior center, said the teachers get as much out of the classes as the participants.

"Teaching fitness classes to seniors is extremely rewarding," Brenner said. "We realize that as our seniors age, exercise becomes a more vital component in the ability to live independently. The seniors that exercise in our classes have made the decision to stay active so they can stay healthy in later years. They are truly an inspiration to us."

The Mentor Senior Center has more than 5,000 members and the facility is available to anyone age 55 and older. It is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays and open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

For more information on the SilverSneakers program, go to mentorseniorcenter.com.