CHANDLER, Ariz., April 22, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Healthways (NASDAQ:HWAY) SilverSneakers® Fitness, the nation’s leading exercise program exclusively designed for older Americans, today announced the results of its 2015 Annual Participation Survey. The survey measured the activity level, fitness attitudes and health outcomes of more than 27,000 participating SilverSneakers members, aged 65 and older, across 50 states. The results reveal an active generation of older adults that are turning to fitness to achieve overall health and well-being – including high levels of energy and mental balance.
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SilverSneakers participants assert they are in good physical and mental health, with 94 percent stating their health is good, very good or excellent and 96 percent stating they have felt calm and peaceful some, most or all of the time. Additionally, participants maintain high levels of energy, with 90 percent having “a lot of energy” some to all of the time. These results can be correlated to frequency of exercise, with 84 percent completing aerobic activity three or more times per week, 64 percent completing muscle strengthening exercises three or more times per week, and 49 percent completing flexibility exercises three or more times per week.
“We look forward to the results of the Annual Participation Survey each year, as it serves as a meaningful barometer for measuring the health attitudes and well-being of our members,” says Joy Powell, Chief Operating Officer of Network Solutions at Healthways. “For the fourth year in a row the survey has affirmed the role SilverSneakers has in improving the lives of older adults through increased physical and emotional health. Additionally, insights about member preferences gained through the survey help us evolve our overall program – such as additional class formats, venues and intensity levels through our FLEX and BOOM offerings.”
The survey also revealed the impact of socialization and camaraderie that SilverSneakers classes play on fitness results, as 49 percent of members report the desire to spend time with other SilverSneakers members helped motivate them to exercise. And, 72 percent of members have received or provided encouragement to a fellow member while participating in a SilverSneakers class.
The Annual Participation Survey is a statistically significant, randomized survey of SilverSneakers Fitness members in all 50 states. SilverSneakers Fitness is the nation’s leading exercise program designed specifically for active older Americans. Through a variety of fitness offerings that accommodate all fitness levels and preferences, as well as invaluable social interactions, SilverSneakers helps older adults maximize their health, maintain their lifestyle and realize continued overall well-being during retirement years.
SilverSneakers was founded in 1992 and is available to more than 13 million eligible members. Designed for all fitness levels, the program offers specialized group exercise classes at more than 13,000 participating fitness and wellness facilities nationwide, ranging from SilverSneakers Classic to BOOM. Members also have access to standard gym amenities, as well as the SilverSneakers FLEX™ network, which includes classes and activities at parks, recreation centers and other local venues. For more information visit http://bit.ly/1SuaVgq.
About Healthways
Healthways is the largest independent global provider of well-being improvement solutions. 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 68 million people on four continents. Learn more at www.silversneakers.com or www.healthways.com.
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