How AARP, Silver Sneakers, and the YMCA are keeping people 55 and over, active and healthy.

by Elizabeth Clay

Staying fit and active can be difficult at all stages of life. On a fixed retirement income, high-priced gym memberships and boutique workout classes can be another obstacle in the way of your fitness goals. Luckily, there are several programs that help retirees find free or low-cost resources to keep moving.

Silver Sneakers

Often free with certain Medicare plans, Silver Sneakers is one of the best-known fitness resources for adults 65 and over. Through this program, you can get a free or heavily discounted membership at thousands of gyms across the country. They also offer free on-demand and live online video workouts, classes, and nutrition workshops.

Their website also offers a wealth of wellness-focused articles, including healthy recipes, workout tips, and lifestyle advice. What makes Silver Sneakers unique is that their online community and many in-person classes are designed specifically for people over 55 and their unique needs. Class offerings often include cardio and strength, water aerobics, yoga, tai chi, and more.

AARP

AARP (The American Association of Retired Persons) is one of the best-known organizations that offer resources for adults over 50. While there is technically no age requirement to join, their perks are tailored to retirees. Currently, the cost for your first year of AARP membership is 12$ with automatic renewal

They partner with a wide variety of health and wellness organizations, retailers, and service providers to offer discounts to their members. Vision and dental insurance plans, hearing care, and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) have also become part of their optional offerings. For those looking for a career switch or part-time job after 50, there is an AARP job board as well as resources to help members gain new workplace skills.

From travel discounts to financial planning and help with banking and investments, an AARP membership provides serious value at a low annual fee.

YMCA Programs

For discounted fitness memberships and programs built solely for older adults, you may not need to look further than your local YMCA. The Y’s “Enhance Fitness” is a program focused on managing arthritis pain, and uses simple movements to help keep your body moving. They also have a class based on tai chi that was developed with the Oregon Research Institute to help improve balance.

As most YMCA locations offer a wide variety of amenities, such as swimming pools, racquetball and tennis courts, weights, and standard gym equipment, as well as classes, it can be one of the best values when looking to stay active.

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