NASHVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Healthways SilverSneakers® Fitness isn’t just an exercise program designed for older adults – it is a life-changing catalyst for achieving health goals. As the nation’s largest fitness program for older adults for more than 20 years, SilverSneakers Fitness has helped members lose weight, gain strength, maintain independence and improve overall well-being. And, behind every participant is a moving story of determination, strength, camaraderie and fun.
To uncover these inspiring stories, Healthways is now accepting nominations for the 10th annual 2014 Richard L. Swanson Inspiration Award, which honors a SilverSneakers member whose healthy behavior has made a difference in his or her own life while inspiring 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.
Celebrating one decade of inspirational members, this year the award will recognize 10 honorees from across the United States, and for the first time, the SilverSneakers Facebook page community will select the national award recipient and four finalists. Online voting will take place throughout the month of August, and the winner and finalists will be announced in September.
“SilverSneakers continues to be the nation’s leading fitness program for older adults, and we are thrilled to mark 10 years of transformative health journeys through the Swanson Award,” said Joy Powell, president of Healthways Senior Solutions Division. “Each year, we realize an increasing amount of nominations, and we continue to be moved by stories of outstanding achievement – whether the focus is weight loss, increased mobility or increased social well-being.”
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 June 30, 2014. Submissions are accepted by mail to Healthways, Attn: Swanson Award, 1445 S. Spectrum Blvd., Chandler, AZ 85286; by fax to 800-327-9151; and on the web at silversneakers.com/swansonaward or facebook.com/silversneakers.
Using proven methodologies based on more than 20 years of science and outcomes, SilverSneakers increases physical activity in older adults, resulting in higher well-being and lower healthcare costs. The program engages participants in more frequent strength training, aerobic and flexibility exercise through access to a variety of venues and programming designed specifically for older adults and incorporating social experiences.
SilverSneakers is available to more than 11 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.
For more information about the Swanson Award, visit silversneakers.com/swansonaward.
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.
