National Blueprint: Increasing Physical Activity Among Adults Aged 50 and Older
Active Aging Partnership
Active Aging
Partnership
Active Aging Partnership

Blueprint
Organizations
Blueprint Organizations

Aging and Physical
Activity Links
Aging and Physical Activity Links

Conferences and
Future Events
Conferences and Future Events

Open Bulletin Board/
Questions about
Physical Activity
Open Bulletin Board/Questions about Physical Activity

Public Information/
Aging Tips
Public Information/Aging Tips

Physically Active
Role Models
Physically Active Role Models

Media Section
Media Section

Publications and
Other Resources
Publications and Other Resources

Downloadable
Presentations
about the Blueprint
Downloadable Presentations about the Blueprint

Partner Links
Partner Links

New Active Green
Environments Project
Partner Links

Qi Gong and
Tai Chi Project
Qi Gong and Tai Chi Project

About the Organization:

Founded in 1992 by Mary K. Swanson, President and CEO, HealthCare Dimensions Incorporated is a health care services company based in Tempe, Arizona. It was founded on the premise that for managed Medicare to be viable in the long run, cost-effective, preventive benefits need to be incorporated into the care continuum. The company’s SilverSneakers® Fitness Program was created to meet this need and has since evolved to become one of the leading senior exercise programs in the country.

HealthCare Dimensions’ vision is to integrate quality senior fitness programming into communities through health plan and physician settings. It is documented that increasing physical activity levels in the older adult population can reduce the risk of disability and disease.

HealthCare Dimensions currently partners with 12 major health plans across the United States to deliver the SilverSneakers® Fitness Program to their Medicare-eligible members at no additional cost to the member. HealthCare Dimensions develops networks of fitness centers that include YMCAs, Jewish Community Centers, senior centers and family operated fitness centers where all older adults can benefit from quality senior fitness programming.

Components of the SilverSneakers® Fitness Program include:

  • A comprehensive network of senior-friendly fitness centers
  • Methods for reducing the barriers to exercise by addressing health concerns, safety, affordability, fear, motivation, transportation, location and accessibility
  • Fitness programming that appeals to all levels of fitness for seniors and focuses on improving strength, flexibility, balance and coordination, including the signature SilverSneakers® Class, SilverSplashSM aquatics class and walking programs
  • Social and educational programming
  • Certified Instructors and Senior AdvisorsSM to motivate and encourage program participation and ensure program objectives are achieved, including direct-to-physician outreach and education
  • Strategic marketing support such as direct-to-member enrollment and participation initiatives
  • Integration with the health plans’ health promotion and disease management programs
  • Program performance measurement plan and routine reporting including health improvement and economic impact analyses

The SilverSneakers® Fitness Program has accomplished the following outcomes for health care organizations:

  • Health improvement with a corresponding reduction in health care utilization and costs
  • Differentiation and a positive message in the marketplace resulting in a strong association with member acquisition
  • Unprecedented member satisfaction and loyalty with a corresponding reduction in voluntary disenrollment
  • Ability to motivate, engage and maintain members’ healthy lifestyle activities

Mission: To improve the health and well-being of everyone we touch

Contact Info:

HealthCare Dimensions Incorporated
9280 S. Kyrene Rd., Ste. 134
Tempe, AZ 85284
E-mail: silversneakers@hcdimensions.com
www.silversneakers.com

News and Events:

Physically Active Lifestyles Can Help Prevent Fall Injuries

Studies Indicate a Change in Sedentary Behavior Reduces Health Care Costs


Blueprint Grant Contact Information:

Wojtek Chodzko-Zajko, PhD
Department of Kinesiology
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
126 Louise Freer Hall
906 S. Goodwin Avenue
Urbana, IL 61801
Phone: (217)244-7122, Fax: (217)244-7322
E-mail:blueprint@kines.uiuc.edu

The Blueprint Partners Website is hosted and supported by Human Kinetics