Mayor announces partnership between Metro Parks, Healthways SilverSneakers Fitness

LOUISVILLE, KY (WAVE) - When considering their fitness-related New Year's resolutions, older adults in Louisville can take comfort in knowing they have access to a program designed to help them achieve their best health in 2011. The nationally-acclaimed Healthways SilverSneakers® Fitness Program is now available to area seniors through four Metro Parks Community Centers across Louisville, Mayor Jerry Abramson announced today.

"The SilverSneakers program is a great way for seniors to remain active, and also perfect for those folks who are looking for a simple and fun way to begin an exercise program," Abramson said. "I' encourage everyone who is eligible to get on the program and get on the path to better health."

SilverSneakers is the nation's leading social support and exercise program designed to keep seniors healthy. Whether striving to lose a few pounds, improve their balance or manage chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and arthritis, eligible members can get the physical activity they need at the Flaget Community Center (4425 Greenwood Avenue), California Community Center (1600 W. Saint Catherine Street), Beechmont Community Center (205 W. Wellington Avenue) and Sun Valley Community Center (6505 Bethany Lane). Classes are also offered at various locations throughout Louisville including Curves, Coaches and Urban Active fitness centers.

SilverSneakers offers an innovative blend of physical activity, healthy lifestyle and socially-oriented programming. "We're very pleased to host the SilverSneakers program in our community centers, where focusing on the overall health and fitness of senior citizens has been a longtime goal of ours," Metro Parks Director Mike Heitz said. "Metro Parks is always trying to serve the needs of our older residents, and the SilverSneakers program gives us one more tool with which we can do that."

"There are more than 24,000 eligible SilverSneakers members in Louisville with participants exercising in the program on average 6.3 times per month. Area seniors can get fit, have fun and make friends at these four newly added SilverSneakers participating locations around the city," SilverSneakers Account Manager Kim Dues said.

SilverSneakers is available to eligible Medicare health plan members and group retirees at more than 10,000 participating locations nationwide. Seniors not eligible through the Medicare Bonus Plan can participate in the classes for a small fee. "In Louisville and Southern Indiana, more than 20 participating locations offer the popular program," Dues added. To find out if you are eligible for SilverSneakers, please contact your health plan provider. For more information about SilverSneakers, visit www.silversneakers.com or call 888-423-4632.

SilverSneakers fitness classes will be offered at the community centers at the corresponding times. Please call the center for more information.

• Flaget Senior Center – Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10-11 a.m. 502/574-2831
• Beechmont Community Center – Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10-11 a.m. 502/361-5484
• California Community Center – Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11 a.m. – noon. 502/574-2658
• Sun Valley Community Center – Wednesdays and Fridays – 10-11 a.m. 502/937-8802