Medicare Advantage Fitness Benefit | Exercise for Seniors

Aging can cause many body changes that can harm our health and well-being. Losing physical fitness is one of the most obvious consequences of aging. Seniors must engage in regular physical activity to preserve their health, independence, and quality of life overall. However, many senior citizens struggle to remain active due to physical limitations, a lack of motivation, and financial constraints. Fortunately, the fitness benefit offered by Medicare Advantage plans can greatly incentivize seniors to maintain a healthy lifestyle. With these benefits, seniors can access fitness facilities and programs, making staying active and healthy easier. These benefits can help seniors maintain their physical and mental health, reduce healthcare costs, and enjoy a better quality of life.

Medicare Advantage Fitness Benefit
Certain Medicare Advantage plans to provide its members access to a fitness benefit called the Medicare Advantage Fitness Benefit. Members who qualify for this perk will have the cost of gym dues and group exercise classes covered. The goal of the fitness perk is to get seniors moving so they may age with dignity and health.

Eligibility for the Medicare Advantage Fitness Benefit
The fitness benefit is not included in all Medicare Advantage plans, and qualification criteria may vary from plan to plan. You must be enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan to receive the fitness benefit. You may also be subject to additional restrictions based on age or health.

Fitness activities are covered by the Medicare Advantage Fitness Benefit
Medicare Advantage plans often include a fitness benefit that pays for gym memberships, fitness classes, and even some wellness programs says Medicare expert from Clearmatch Medicare. Some policies may reimburse fitness equipment like treadmills, stationary bicycles, and resistance bands. It is important to verify with Medicare what fitness activities are covered because they can differ. In addition, some policies may mandate that you use fitness centers or equipment from particular vendors.

SilverSneakers is a prime example of a Medicare Advantage-eligible program that offers its users many benefits. SilverSneakers members can enjoy a wide range of fitness activities and social events with access to over 10,000 churches, community centers, local spots, and other senior communities. There's something for everyone, from boot camp and circuit training to strength and balance, yoga, tai chi, Zumba, and water aerobics. Members can also access recreational amenities, including swimming pools, basketball courts, and jogging pathways.

Benefits of exercising for seniors
The health benefits of regular exercise for the elderly are numerous. For several reasons, exercise is essential for healthy aging, including disease prevention and cognitive enhancement:

• One of the exercise's most important advantages is staving off illness. Many prevalent ailments, including heart disease and diabetes, may be avoided by keeping up a regular exercise routine, according to research. Seniors frequently have weakened immune systems. Thus they need to exercise to boost their overall immunological function. In the fight against preventable diseases, even mild activity like walking can be an effective weapon.
• Besides improving your body, working out has many positive effects on your mind. Exercising has several positive effects on one's mental health. Endorphins, also known as the “feel good” hormone, are released during physical activity, reducing feelings of stress and replacing them with joy and contentment. Furthermore, exercise has been shown to improve sleep, which is especially crucial for the elderly, who frequently have insomnia and irregular sleep patterns.
• The chance of falling can be reduced by exercise, which is still another major advantage. Falls are more common among the elderly, affecting their ability to live alone. Exercising increases muscle mass and bone density and improves flexibility and balance, decreasing the likelihood of injury from falls. Getting back on their feet after a fall is much harder for the elderly, so everything that can prevent them is crucial. Physical activity has been shown to improve social interactions in many ways.
• Exercise can be converted into a pleasurable social experience by joining a walking group, attending group fitness courses, or attending a gardening club. Aging folks can keep their spirits up and prevent themselves from being lonely or depressed if they keep up strong social links with their peers.
• Finally, exercise can boost brain power, but only if you pick an activity you enjoy doing first. Improvements in mental acuity are a side effect of a healthy lifestyle that includes regular physical activity and the development of fine motor skills. Innumerable studies have shown that regular exercise, no matter how old you are when you start, can reduce your risk of dementia.

Seniors getting started with exercise.
Starting an exercise program can be intimidating, especially for older adults with physical limitations or health concerns. However, there are many ways for seniors to get started with exercise safely.

• Talk to your doctor: Before starting any exercise program, seniors should talk to their doctor to ensure they are healthy enough for physical activity.
• Start slow: Seniors should begin their exercise routines at a low intensity and work on more strenuous activities as their fitness level and endurance improve.
• Find a workout buddy: Exercising with a friend or family member can make workouts more enjoyable and help seniors stay motivated.