LGBT Senior’s Health Beat: SilverSneakers and the Power of Free Fitness on YouTube

LGBTSr’s Health Beat

If you’re 65 or older and looking for a safe, fun way to stay active, SilverSneakers might already be available to you, and you might not even know it. For my husband and I, we weren’t eligible a couple years ago when the local gym only offered it through Medicare Advantage plans (something we would never have). But recently it was offered through our Humana supplemental plan, so we joined. It’s great. Free gym membership in exchange for being a senior. Not my first choice as a tradeoff, but since I can’t get any younger I’ll take it.

SilverSneakers is a fitness and lifestyle program designed for older adults, and it’s available at no cost through select Medicare Advantage and some supplemental plans. That means if you have the right coverage, you could be joining live online classes or streaming workouts entirely for free.

Best of all? You don’t need a Medicare plan to get started. SilverSneakers has a YouTube channel with nearly 800 videos covering strength training, cardio, balance, and flexibility — one of the most generous free fitness resources online for older adults.

The workouts are led by instructors who understand aging bodies, and modifications are always offered so you can move at the level that’s right for you. Many use only a chair and light hand weights. Whether you’re a longtime gym-goer or just getting back on your feet, there’s something here for you.