Today’s seniors are not the seniors from 20 or 30 years ago. Today’s seniors are more independent, travel more and stay in the workforce longer than those of previous generations. From nutrition to healthcare to technology use, 21st century seniors demand convenience, optionality and inclusion to support their happiness and well-being as they age.
Technology has emerged as a primary means through which seniors access both essential and leisure activities, a fact that was accelerated by the pandemic. Older adults rely on technology to connect with friends and family, shop, meet new people, track the news and maintain physical and mental health. Telehealth remains the most common example of rapid adoption of technology to meet health and wellness needs, though other examples exist as well.
Take SilverSneakers, the leading senior fitness program offered through more than 70 Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement and group retiree plans. The program pivoted from in-person offering to add virtual fitness options during the pandemic, and their members quickly adapted. According to the SilverSneakers Senior Healthy Living Survey, seniors today want a fluid fitness experience with options to participate in in-person and community fitness and virtual classes. A significant portion of members using their virtual offerings stated they would continue to use them in tandem with in-person fitness offerings moving forward.
With seniors indicating that they want virtual options to support their health going forward SilverSneakers continues to expand. In addition to fitness, members in participating health plans can access interest-based social connection opportunities, mental enrichment and personalized member content. And next year, in addition to access to up to 22,000 fitness locations nationwide, SilverSneakers will offer members in participating health plans Apple Fitness+, an award-winning fitness subscription service that includes access to more than 3,000 workouts and meditations designed to fit every skill level.
Beginning in January 2023, SilverSneakers members in select Medicare Advantage plans can access Apple Fitness+ at no additional cost. According to the SilverSneakers Senior Healthy Living Survey, 81% of seniors own and/or use a smartphone, and 72% of those smartphone owners state they are “very comfortable using them.” Making Apple Fitness+ an accessible means through which seniors can maintain health and vitality, SilverSneakers’ core tenet.
Apple Fitness+ is helping seniors achieve their wellness goals because it is designed to be welcoming to all. Users can move how they want, when they want, at home or on the go. SilverSneakers members in participating health plans can choose from the full library of Fitness+ content, with workouts and meditations ranging from 5 to 45 minutes across 11 workout types, including Dance, Pilates, Strength, and Yoga. Members can also access the Workouts for Older Adults program on Fitness+, which helps users stay active at any age with a focus on strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, and mobility.
The workouts and meditations are led by a diverse and inclusive team of trainers, curated for a range of abilities, skill levels, ages and interests. Every Fitness+ studio workout includes modifications to accommodate all fitness levels, along with options for closed captioning and subtitles in six languages.
Expanding the ways that older adults can stay physically and mentally fit not only meets consumer expectations. For health plans and providers, healthy lifestyles, exercise and meditation all add up to healthier members and patients, better outcomes and lower costs. Providing health and fitness options that seniors can access with the same ease as Face Timing their grandchildren is a win-win for both consumers and healthcare stakeholders.