SARC to Launch SilverSneakers Fitness
PROGRAM STARTS ON OCTOBER 1ST
Free afternoon exercise and swimming for adults 65+

 

SEQUIM - The Sequim Aquatic-Recreation Center (SARC) begins a new health and fitness program on October 1 that is geared for eligible seniors who are 65 and better,. Scheduled from noon to closing, Monday through Friday, and all-day on Saturday and Sundays, the SARC SilverSneakers� program is part of a nationwide effort supported by Medicare to help mature adults move out of their homes and into an active lifestyle.

 

"SilverSneakers Fitness is a terrific and easy way for our seniors stay active," said Executive Director Scott Deschenes. "For eligible adults, the price to participate in swimming, wet and dry sauna, pickleball, racquetball and the workout room can't be beat. What's better than free with their Medicare insurance? Moreover, participants do not need to purchase a SARC membership to join."

 

"I get moving at SARC regularly and it certainly helps me remain fit and healthy. Many studies confirm how regular exercise can make for a better life. And for us seniors, it's even more important," said SARC Board Chairman, Frank Pickering.

 

SilverSneakers offers a fun exercise program designed exclusively for older adults. It is a fitness benefit found in many leading Medicare insurance plans. The program helps older adults pursue fitness goals on their own terms. SilverSneakers provides guidance as well as convenient group exercise classes at half the non-member rate to help improve general fitness, strength, flexibility, and walking ability. The program's social connection can also help seniors find new friends who also want to pursue an active lifestyle.

 

Many Medicare plans provide the SilverSneakers fitness program to enrollees at no additional cost.

 

  • SilverSneakers at SARC includes access to exercise equipment, the swimming pool and hydrotherapy pool and an online tool to track fitness progress

  • Even moderate exercise can improve the health of older adults, including those who are frail or who have diseases associated with aging such as osteoporosis

  • Exercise not only enhances physical health but mental health

  • Regular participation in SilverSneakers is documented to help older adults increase strength, balance, and endurance

 

The Importance of Senior Exercise

It's never too late to start exercising. Active lifestyles are important for maintaining health as well as quality of life. Moreover, exercise can benefit older adults mentally as well as physically. Moderate exercise can help alleviate stress and potentially reduce feelings of depression. Additionally, regular exercise may improve mental function. Some studies found regular exercise contributes to improvements when quickly shifting between tasks. Furthermore, doctors recommend weight-bearing, flexibility, and resistance exercise for those who suffer from osteoporosis.

 

With respect to SilverSneakers, regular participation in the program has been documented to help older adults increase strength, balance, and endurance.

 

Inactivity and a lack of exercise increase a person's risk for heart attack whereas regular exercise can help reduce your risk. Some seniors have fears or concerns about exercise. However, inactivity poses heath risks.

 

According to The National Institute of Health, "Although exercise and physical activity are among the healthiest things you can do for yourself, some older adults are reluctant to exercise. Some are afraid that exercise will be too hard or that physical activity will harm them. Others might think they have to join a gym or have special equipment. Yet, studies show that "taking it easy" is risky. For the most part, when older people lose their ability to do things on their own, it doesn't happen just because they've aged. It's usually because they're not active. 

 

The U.S. Surgeon General's Report on Physical Activity and Health, indicates "...inactive people are nearly twice as likely to develop heart disease as those who are more active. Lack of physical activity also can lead to more visits to the doctor, more hospitalizations, and more use of medicines for a variety of illnesses." 

 

A third-party partner, Healthways, Inc., provides the SilverSneakers program. It contracted with various health plans offering the benefit. Seniors should check with their Medicare insurance plan to determine if they are eligible to participate in the free program.

 

About SARC 

The Clallam County Park & Recreation District #1 was formed by local community leaders and concerned citizens in 1962 for the purpose of building an outdoor pool. After passing a voter-approved bond issue, the Sequim Aquatic Recreation Center (SARC) was opened in 1988 as a non-profit public recreation facility to serve the entire North Peninsula community. It provides low-cost water and land fitness options in its 17,000 sq. ft. facility located at 610 North 5th Ave. in Sequim. Telephone (360) 683-3344 or visit the SARC website at www.sarcfitness.com.

 




We will have extra staff to assist you here on Wednesday with entry.  Feel free to call me if you have any questions.

Thank you.

Sincerely,


Scott Deschenes, Executive Director
Sequim Aquatic Recreation Center
Clallam County Parks and Recreation District #1
610 N. 5th Avenue, Sequim, WA  98382
360.683.3344, extension 12,  [email protected]


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