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Bradley Key, center, health and wellness coordinator at Reeves Community Center in Mount Airy, introduces SilverSneakers participants to a new muscular strength and range of movement class.

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A new program is under way which allows senior citizens to take advantage of fitness and other programs at Reeves Community Center at no expense to them.

“Typically, folks that could not afford a membership now have the chance to have a membership provided by their insurance company,” RCC Health and Wellness Coordinator Bradley Key said Monday in explaining the SilverSneakers program.

It is available to persons who are 65 or older.

A contract to offer the program at the city government-owned facility was approved in May by the Mount Airy Board of Commissioners, and “we’ve got a couple of classes that have kicked off last week,” Key said.

Friday Luncheon

Seniors also are invited to a covered-dish luncheon Friday which will launch the program. It is planned from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Kids Klub Room located on the lower level of Reeves Community Center.

The theme for Friday’s gathering is “Fall into Fitness.”

Seniors are asked to bring their favorite dish, along with a friend, to the luncheon, which also will include fun, games and goodies, organizers say.

“A Great Opportunity”

The SilverSneakers program is aimed at enhancing recreational opportunities for older local residents who might not have them otherwise. It is being offered locally through a partnership between Reeves Community Center and American Healthways Services, a health and well-being improvement company.

“SilverSneakers is a fun, energizing program that helps older adults take greater control of their health by encouraging physical activity and offering social events,” according to Fonda Mooney, RCC’s family services director.

It provides customized SilverSneakers classes designed for older adults wanting to improve their strength, flexibility, balance and endurance.

A muscular strength and range of movement class began last week and is being held on Tuesday and Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Key said yoga stretching also will be incorporated into the program.

Along with the classes led by certified instructors, weights and other equipment have been provided to the community center through the SilverSneakers partnership.

Calling the program “a great opportunity” for local seniors, Key pointed out that clients of eight insurance carriers in North Carolina are eligible to have SilverSneakers coverage provided for them.

Not only are fitness classes part of the package, but access to RCC pool facilities and other amenities.

“In essence, they are able to participate as you would with a normal membership,” Key said of those eligible. “That’s the gist of SilverSneakers.”

The insurance companies participating include AARP, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Humana and others.

Individuals are advised to call Reeves Community Center at 786-8313 or their insurance carrier to inquire about coverage eligibility, registration and other details.

“There’s no reason why they shouldn’t take advantage of this if their insurance companies provide it,” Key said. “It would be silly not to join up.”

Reach Tom Joyce at 719-1924 or tjoyce@heartlandpublications.com.