11 Burning Questions About SilverSneakers—Answered! (2024)

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Here’s everything you need to know about this health and fitness program designed for older adults.11 Burning Questions About SilverSneakers—Answered! (1)

Wouldn’t it be great if you could take fitness classes designed specifically for seniors and led by supportive instructors?

What if you could take those classes online from the comfort of your home? And get no-cost access to gyms and fitness locations in your area (and even nationwide!)?

If that sounds like the perfect program to help you get and stay fit, we have awesome news for you.

If SilverSneakers is included in your Medicare Advantage plan, you can have all of that — at no additional cost to you.

To help you learn more and take advantage of SilverSneakers, we put together this handy guide to answer your questions. (Click here to check your eligibility right away.)

Question #1: What Is SilverSneakers?

SilverSneakers is a health and fitness program designed for adults 65+ that’s included with many Medicare Advantage plans.

SilverSneakers members can:

  • Access live online fitness classes and an on-demand video library of prerecorded workouts.
  • Take fun exercise classes designed for seniors of all fitness levels and led by trained instructors.
  • Go to thousands of gyms, community centers, and other participating fitness locations across the nation.
  • Download the SilverSneakers GO app to get your digital membership card and workouts (free, iOS and Android).
  • Find a friendly, supportive community in person and online.

The goal? To help you stay strong in body, mind, and spirit. Regular physical activity keeps your heart, brain, bones, muscles, and joints healthy.

If you have a chronic condition like arthritis, diabetes, or osteoporosis, safe exercise can help you feel better. Plus, staying social is vital to good health.

According to SilverSneakers members, it works. In fact, 95 percent of members rate their health as excellent, very good, or good. And 88 percent say SilverSneakers has improved their quality of life.

Question #2: How Do I Get SilverSneakers?

If you currently have a Medicare Advantage plan and you want to see if it includes SilverSneakers, you can check your SilverSneakers eligibility instantly here.

If you’re new to Medicare or looking for health plans that include SilverSneakers, you can find participating health plans here.

Not a member, or not age 65 yet? That’s OK. You can still create a free online account and enjoy hundreds of SilverSneakers On-Demand videos, health and fitness tips, and more!

Question #3: Do I Need a SilverSneakers Card?

No. If you’re already a SilverSneakers member, you can get your digital membership ID instantly here.

To make things even easier, download the SilverSneakers GO app (free, iOS and Android). You’ll be able to:

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Also of Interest

  • Activate Your Free Online Account
  • SilverSneakers LIVE
  • 5 Best Exercises to Lose Belly Fat
  • Free Senior Gym Membership Program in Florida
  • Access your digital membership ID anytime.
  • Find SilverSneakers locations and classes near you.
  • Discover, schedule, and track your workouts.

Question #4: Is There an Age Requirement for SilverSneakers?

SilverSneakers is a health and fitness program designed for adults 65+ that’s included with many Medicare Advantage plans, but there’s no age requirement. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you can check your SilverSneakers eligibility instantly here.

Question #5: Do You Have Online Classes?

Yes, and lots of them! If you’re a SilverSneakers member, you get access to both live online classes and prerecorded video workouts.

SilverSneakers LIVE offers full-length SilverSneakers classes daily live through Zoom. Classes range from 15 minutes to one hour. With hundreds of classes a week, there’s something for everyone.

You’ll find favorites such as SilverSneakers Classic, Circuit, Yoga, EnerChi and Total Body Strength. There’s also Zumba Gold, Cardio Mix, Walk Strong, Line Dancing, and many seated workouts.

Plus, you’ll find live wellness workshops on topics like stress, balance, nutrition, and pain management.

Classes and workshops occur multiple times throughout the day and are exclusive for SilverSneakers members. Learn more in our guide to SilverSneakers LIVE.

SilverSneakers On-Demand features hundreds of videos for SilverSneakers members only. You’ll find workout videos for cardio, strength training, and fall prevention.

You’ll also get nutrition videos, such as healthy eating habits for older adults and how to read food labels.

To get started, log in to or create your online account.

Question #6: What Types of Exercise Classes Are Available, and Who Teaches Them?

You’ll find a variety of fun exercise classes designed for all fitness levels and interests. Classes vary whether you’re doing them online or in person, but if available, you’ll find:

  • Cardio and strength classes, which often offer a chair for support
  • Water aerobics classes
  • Chair and standing yoga classes
  • Tai chi, boot camp, line dancing, and so much more!

SilverSneakers classes are led by supportive instructors who are specially trained in senior fitness. They can help you learn how to do exercises safely and adapt exercises for your needs.

Learn more about why SilverSneakers members love our classes and what SilverSneakers instructors know that other trainers don’t.

Question #7: What’s Included in a Gym Membership with SilverSneakers?

You’ll get a basic membership at any gym and participating location in the SilverSneakers network. Facilities, amenities, and classes vary by location, but if available, that generally means you can use:

  • Cardio equipment, such as treadmills and rowing machines
  • Strength equipment, such as weights and strength machines
  • Amenities, such as pools, walking tracks, and even pickleball courts

It does not include extras like smoothies, massages, or personal training. If you choose to arrange and pay for those on your own, you certainly can.

Not a fan of the traditional gym? You might like SilverSneakers Community classes, which are taught at recreation centers, local parks, and other neighborhood locations.

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It's quick and easy. You could be one of the 13 million people who are eligible.

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Question #8: How Do I Find a Location or Class, and Can I Go to More Than One?

To find participating fitness locations or classes in the SilverSneakers network near you, use our location tool, or download the SilverSneakers GO app (free, iOS and Android).

We recommend that you check with locations directly to find out about their hours and class schedules.

And, yes! Some members find it hard to believe, but you can enroll in as many participating locations as you like, and use any location in the SilverSneakers network, at any time.

For example, you could use weights or exercise machines at one gym, swim in the pool at another, and take a SilverSneakers or Community class at your local rec center.

Question #9: What’s the SilverSneakers Community Like?

Friendly. Supportive. Motivating. Fun. Like family. That’s how members often describe the SilverSneakers community.

What they all know: SilverSneakers is more than a fitness program, and often it’s the friendships that people make that keep them coming back. Read what SilverSneakers members have to say about the program and our classes here.

Many SilverSneakers groups even plan social events outside of classes, like potlucks or outings around town. Or if they’re taking a SilverSneakers LIVE class, they’ll chat online before or after the workout.

This social support has real health benefits. SilverSneakers members who participate in group exercise are more active, feel healthier, and are less likely to experience social isolation than non-members, according to a Massachusetts Institute of Technology AgeLab study.

Plus, you can stay connected with the SilverSneakers community on Facebook and Instagram.

Question #10: Do You Sell Silver Sneakers—or Silver Slippers?

We don’t sell shoes of any kind, but we do offer SilverSneakers shirts, exercise bands, and bags at the online SilverSneakers store.

Question #11: I Have More Questions! Can You Help?

If you have questions about your SilverSneakers eligibility or membership, you can call us at 866-584-7389 or email us at support@silversneakers.com.

Activate Your FREE SilverSneakers Online Account

Get hundreds of free SilverSneakers On-Demand videos and stay in touch with us bycreating your free online account. You don’t have to be a SilverSneakers member to get on-demand workout videos, health and fitness tips from SilverSneakers, and more.

SilverSneakers members can go to thousands of nationwide gyms and fitness locations, plus takeSilverSneakers LIVE online classesled by specially trained instructors and designed for all fitness levels and abilities – at no additional cost. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, it may include SilverSneakers.Check your eligibility here.

Already a member? Get your SilverSneakers member ID, search for locations near you, and all the health and wellness resources you need bylogging in to your online member account here.

11 Burning Questions About SilverSneakers—Answered! (2)

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11 Burning Questions About SilverSneakers—Answered! (2024)

FAQs

Is the SilverSneakers program being discontinued? ›

1, the company is dropping SilverSneakers — an optional benefit — for 1.2 million customers with Medicare Advantage plans in 11 states (California, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina and Utah) as well as 1.3 million customers with Medicare supplemental (Medigap) ...

Why is AARP dropping SilverSneakers? ›

Why did AARP switch from SilverSneakers to Renew Active? AARP's UnitedHealthcare plans dropped SilverSneakers because not enough members were taking advantage of the program. Instead, AARP/UHC plans offer their own fitness and wellness plan, called Renew Active.

Does regular Medicare cover silver sneakers? ›

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover gym memberships or fitness programs. Since SilverSneakers falls under this category, original Medicare doesn't cover it. However, gym memberships and fitness programs, including SilverSneakers, are often covered as an additional benefit in Medicare Part C plans.

Why am I not eligible for SilverSneakers? ›

The most common reason for an ineligible result is your health care plan does not participate in SilverSneakers. Contact your provider to let them know you value this benefit, or consider switching to a plan that does offer SilverSneakers during the yearly open enrollment period.

What is the new name for silver sneakers? ›

The UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plan offers a program similar to Silver Sneakers called Renew Active. Renew Active provides membership to certain fitness locations at no additional cost. Renew Active does not include an app or access to online fitness classes.

Who is a competitor to Silver Sneakers? ›

Top 3 silversneakers.com Alternatives & Competitors
  • seniorlifestyle.com. 295,223. 105,957. 143.33K. 1.5. 82.6%
  • silverandfit.com. 577,393. 127,910. 59.83K. 5.8. 33.06%
  • tivityhealth.com. 172,654. 36,400. 286.65K. 5.9. 58.83%

Which is better, silver sneakers or renew active? ›

Differences between Renew Active and SilverSneakers

Renew Active offers more fitness locations, personalized fitness plans, brain challenges, and online hobby and education classes. Only UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans may provide a Renew Active membership, but many insurance carriers offer SilverSneakers.

Which gym is best for seniors? ›

Based on factors like senior discounts, locations, classes, personal training availability, and contracts, here are the best gyms for seniors in 2024:
  • Best Overall: YMCA.
  • Best for Budget: Crunch Fitness.
  • Best Premium Amenities: Life Time.
  • Best to Bring a Guest: Planet Fitness.
  • Best for Availability: Anytime Fitness.

Who funds SilverSneakers? ›

1) These programs are funded by government overpayments made to the private Medicare Advantage plans. Though some of the overpayments are used for additional benefits, much is wasted in excessive administrative costs and profits.

Are silver sneakers legitimate? ›

SilverSneakers is a high-quality, free fitness program for older adults looking to stay active and maintain their health. It has a large network of participating gyms, numerous indoor and outdoor activities, and an extensive catalog of on-demand online classes.

How do silver sneakers work at Planet fitness for seniors? ›

Get into a gym at no cost to you in just 3 steps: Log into SilverSneakers.com to download or print your member ID. Find one of the 22,000+ partnered fitness locations through the Location Finder. Show your SilverSneakers member ID to the desk attendant at the fitness location of your choice and enjoy your workout!

Is Silver Sneakers part of UnitedHealthcare? ›

UnitedHealthcare Medicare plans that once covered SilverSneakers membership have replaced that coverage with a program called Renew Active. Renew Active is similar to SilverSneakers but also incorporates brain health activities. Learn more about UHC Medicare plans that cover the Renew Active program.

What did UnitedHealthcare replace silver sneakers with? ›

In 2018, UnitedHealthcare announced that it would no longer include SilverSneakers as a Medicare plan benefit, but they would instead offer a program called Renew Active. The change applied to all of its AARP Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement Insurance plans.

Do you get silver sneakers with AARP? ›

Yes, Silver Sneakers is part of AARP, the American Association of Retired Persons. AARP offers a variety of insurance products, including Medicare Supplement plans, that include the Silver Sneakers benefit.

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