For Miami resident and 2012 Richard L. Swanson Inspiration Award winner Cecil Daniels, the Healthways SilverSneakers® Fitness Program wasn’t just a life-changing exercise program designed for older adults – it represented a new, healthier lifestyle that met his social needs. For award finalist Jacquelyn Gardner,it was healthy exercising to avoid a painful shoulder surgery and a lengthy recovery period. For these inspiring members, and every SilverSneakers member, there is a story – a story of determination, strength, camaraderie and fun.
Healthways is now accepting nominations for the 2013 Richard L. Swanson Inspiration Award, which pays tribute to a SilverSneakers member whose healthy behavior has made a difference in his or her own life while motivating others. The Swanson Award is in memory of SilverSneakers founder Mary Swanson’s father, who served as the inspiration for the nationally acclaimed fitness program. The award honors five finalists across the U.S., and one of the five is selected as the national award recipient. The Swanson Award winner and finalists will be recognized during Active Aging Week, September 22-28, 2013. Active Aging Week is observed nationally to highlight the diverse health and wellness opportunities available to older adults.
“SilverSneakers continues to be the nation’s leading fitness program for older adults,” said Joy Powell, Market President Healthways. “Its fun, engaging formats help members achieve their fitness and health goals. Whether it’s a story of weight loss, increased mobility or someone who brings a group together for monthly social luncheons, we are continually moved by the hundreds of inspiring health journeys that are shared through the Swanson Award nominations.”
Using proven methodologies based upon more than 17 years of science and outcomes, the SilverSneakers Fitness Program increases physical activity in older adults, resulting in higher well-being and lower health care costs. Physical activity can reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases, may relieve symptoms of depression, helps to maintain independent living and enhances overall quality of life.
Strength training is recommended as part of a comprehensive physical activity program among older adults and may help to improve balance and decrease risk of falls.1 SilverSneakers engages participants in more frequent strength training and aerobic and flexibility exercises through access to a variety of venues and programming designed specifically for older adults that incorporate physical fitness and social experiences.
“SilverSneakers changed my health and my life,” said Cecil Daniels, national recipient of the 2012 Swanson Inspiration Award. “I found a home with my SilverSneakers family, and I was inspired to be a better person, in control of my health.”
Just two years ago, Daniels was spending five hours every day at his local barber shop to fill his need to connect with friends. Today, Daniels has reinvigorated his life and health by joining a group of friends three days a week at Gold’s Gym to participate in the SilverSneakers Fitness Program. A renewed emphasis on health and exercise has replaced greasy foods and provided the motivation that continues to help him overcome diabetes and high blood pressure. Now in control of these conditions, Daniels receives fantastic reports from his physicians and has inspired other barber shop friends to join him in turning around their health.
Members can nominate themselves or someone they know. Submissions must include a story about why the nominee should be considered, along with a signed nomination form. The completed form must be returned to Healthways by August 2, 2013. Submissions are accepted by mail to Healthways, Attn: Swanson Award, 1445 S. Spectrum Blvd., Ste. 100, Chandler, AZ 85286, by fax to 800-327-9151 and on the web at silversneakers.com/swansonaward or facebook.com/silversneakers.
For more information about the Swanson Award, visit www.silversneakers.com/swansonaward.
SilverSneakers is available to more than 10 million Medicare beneficiaries through many Medicare Advantage health plans, Medicare Supplement carriers and group retiree plans. The SilverSneakers fitness network offers convenient access to more than 11,000 participating fitness and wellness facilities nationwide.
About Healthways
Healthways (HWAY) is the largest independent global provider of well-being improvement solutions. The Company offers the award-winning SilverSneakers Fitness Program, the nation’s leading exercise program designed exclusively for older adults. Dedicated to creating a healthier world one person at a time, the Company uses the science of behavior change to produce and measure positive change in well-being for our customers, which include employers, integrated health systems, hospitals, physicians, health plans, communities and government entities. We provide highly specific and personalized support for each individual and their team of experts to optimize each participant’s health and productivity and to reduce health-related costs. Results are achieved by addressing longitudinal health risks and care needs of everyone in a given population. The Company has scaled its proprietary technology infrastructure and delivery capabilities developed over 30 years and now serves approximately 45 million people on four continents. Learn more at www.silversneakers.com or www.healthways.com.