Claude and Ruth Moton, married for 64 years, take time to exercise together, thanks to the availability of classes at the Brewton Area YMCA.
Recently, YMCA officials took an opportunity to increase the benefits and availability of exercise for senior adults by forming a partnership with another health-concious company.
The Brewton Area YMCA and Healthways is teaming up to offer  a SilverSneakers program.
The program is touted as being the nation’s leading exercise program for seniors.
SilverSneakers and the YMCA recognized the unique needs of older adults and are partnering with Healthways to provide this service.
SilverSneakers is offered to people who are Medicare-elgible, to group retiree members and to other sponsoring organizations, officials said.
Steven Dickey, executive director at the Brewton Area YMCA, said forming the partnership to offer SilverSneakers is one that helps continue the goals of the Y.
“We’re delighted to be selected as a SilverSneakers location,” Dickey said. “The goal of the Fitness and Wellness Department at the Brewton Area YMCA is to not only provide our community with ‘a state-of-the-art’ fitness center, but also a variety of fitness classes for all age groups.  SilverSneakers fits in perfect with our philosophy for senior fitness and adds a new level of expertise to our program.”
SilverSneakers Fitness Program is a premier senior fitness program that has over 10,000 location across the country.
As a member of the SilverSneakers program, participants are entitled to a basic membership at the Brewton YMCA.
The membership benefits include complete access to the facilities amenities including exercise rooms and fitness equpment as well as the swimming pool and walking tracks. Access to exercise classes taught by certified instructors is also available through membership in the program.
SilverSneakers was founded in 1992 and is the nation’s leading exercise program designed exclusively for older adults, offering an innovative blend of physical activity, healthy lifestyle and socially-oriented programming, according to Healthways officials.
The unique program is made available through leading Medicare health plans and retiree groups at 10,000 participating fitness and wellness centers in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and D.C.
For more information on SilverSneakers, call 888-423-4632 or visit www.silversneakers.com.
Adults who are 65 or older living in the service area of the Brewton Area YMCA are eligible to participate in the program.
The YMCA service area includes residents in   Escambia, Covington and Conecuh counties.
Information on qualifying health plan provider benefits or to see if you qualify to become a part of the SilverSneakers program, contact the YMCA at their offices on Belleville Avenue in Brewton or by phone at  (251) 867-9622.