Spring is a perfect time of year to encourage your AmeriHealth New Jersey Medicare Advantage patients to go outside, enjoy some fresh air, and get some exercise. The warmer weather is great for walking, and with their Healthways SilverSneakers Fitness benefit, your patients can easily join a walking group led by a certified instructor. Just tell your patients to visit the SilverSneakers website or call 1-888-423-4632 (TTY: 711) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET, to find a SilverSneakers FLEX^TM walking group class that may be near them. This popular activity for older adults is a great way for your patients to socialize, have some fun, and enjoy the many health benefits of exercise.

On those rainy days when walking outside is not ideal, encourage your patients to visit a fitness location and get their walk in by using a treadmill. They can even meet with their Program Advisor^TM to set specific goals, take a tour of the location, and get an overview on how to use the equipment. Some fitness locations even offer walking tracks for those who want to try something different. And be sure to remind your patients that through their benefit, they can use any of the more than 13,000 fitness locations nationwide as often as they?d like. We want them to work out when, where, and how they want!

Benefits of walking

As your patients progress, remind them that faster walking can help them live longer and better. In fact, according to a study in the January 5, 2011, issue of The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), older adults having a greater walking speed – or gait speed – was associated with increased length of survival.¹

Study authors suggest several reasons why gait speed may predict survival. Walking requires energy, balance, and support and affects the heart, lungs, and circulatory, nervous, and musculoskeletal systems; therefore, those older adults who demonstrate increased speed may also exhibit overall well-being not present in those with slower gaits.

SilverSneakers offers many exercise options

If your patients want to try another form of exercise, SilverSneakers offers many options to help them get fit their way. From access to basic amenities like pools and weight equipment to group exercise classes, your patients have many choices. Note: Classes and amenities vary by location.

Help your patients spring into action with their SilverSneakers Fitness benefit offered by AmeriHeath at no additional cost AmeriHealth 65^® NJ HMO and AmeriHealth 65^® Preferred HMO members.

This is not a statement of benefits. Benefits may vary based on Federal requirements, Benefits Program (HMO, PPO, etc.), and/or employer groups. Providers should call Customer Service for the member?s applicable benefits information. Members should be instructed to call the Customer Service telephone number listed on their ID card.

SilverSneakers is a registered trademark of Healthways, Inc.