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Healthways SilverSneakers Fitness Program Publishes Fitness Trends Infographic In Honor of Older Americans Month

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^{Published in Health and Fitness on Wednesday, May 1st 2013 at 6:31 GMT by Market Wire}  

Healthways SilverSneakers Fitness Program Publishes Fitness Trends Infographic In Honor of Older Americans... -- PHOENIX, May 1, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

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PHOENIX, May 1, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- In honor of Older Americans Month in May, the [ Healthways SilverSneakers® Fitness Program ], the nation's leading exercise program exclusively designed for older adults, published a compelling [ infographic ] look at its 2012 Annual Member Survey, offering insights on the health and fitness trends among older Americans.

(Info: [ http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130501/LA05312-INFO ])

The SilverSneakers Fitness Program Annual Member Survey resulted in more than 37,000 respondents across 50 states. Measured against the Medicare Health Outcomes Survey, the Annual Member Survey revealed that SilverSneakers members achieve greater health and fitness results than their national senior counterparts.

Using proven methodologies based upon more than 16 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 incorporates physical fitness and social experiences.

SilverSneakers is available to nearly 10 million Medicare beneficiaries through many Medicare 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 (NASDAQ: [ 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 40 million people on four continents. Learn more at [ www.healthways.com ] or at [ www.silversneakers.com ].

Infographic:
[ www.silversneakers.com/amsinfographic ]

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[ Facebook.com/silversneakers ]

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[ @SilverSneakers ]

[1] Federal Interagency Forum on Aging-Related Statistics. Older Americans 2012: Key Indicators of Well-Being.Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office. June 2012.

Contact:
Margie Wojciechowski , Healthways
(480) 444-5332
[ Margie.wojciechowski@healthways.com ]

SOURCE Healthways