LIBERTYVILLE, Ill., April 24, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On Wednesday, May 29, more than 100,000 older adults will participate in local health and wellness events at 1,000+ locations across the country for National Senior Health & Fitness Day. The goal of National Senior Health & Fitness Day —celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2013 — is to promote the importance of regular physical activity, and to showcase what local organizations are doing to help improve the health and fitness of older adults in their communities.
American Specialty Health's Silver&Fit Exercise & Healthy Aging Program, an award-winning provider of unique, evidence-based fitness and health education activities for Medicare beneficiaries and group retirees, has announced it is a new National Sponsor for the 2013 "Senior Day."
"We are pleased to have the Silver&Fit program as a new National Sponsor this year for National Senior Health & Fitness Day — the nation's largest older adult health and wellness event," said Patricia Henze, executive director of the event. "We look forward to making thousands of older adults attending our local Senior Day events aware of the valuable contributions the Silver&Fit program has made to improve the health and fitness of older adults in communities throughout the United States."
Local organizations hosting National Senior Health & Fitness Day events across the country on Wednesday, May 29 include: senior centers; retirement communities; YMCAs, JCCs, health clubs; park and recreation districts; Medicare health plans, hospitals and health systems; and local aging organizations. Events at these locations may include health fairs, exercise demonstrations, health screenings, nutrition tips, presentations by health and fitness experts, and more.
"The goals of National Senior Health & Fitness Day are nicely aligned with the goals of Silver&Fit," said George DeVries, chairman and CEO of American Specialty Health, "We look forward to engaging our health plan customers, fitness facilities and members in exciting health and fitness activities to reinforce the importance of exercise and healthy living for older adults."
The Silver&Fit Exercise & Healthy Aging Program is also a 2013 National Sponsor of the Mature Fitness Awards®, the nation's first fitness recognition program for older adults. Adults ages 50 years and older can earn recognition for their fitness achievements. An updated edition of this unique awards program will be introduced to seniors participating in local Senior Day events on May 29.
About Senior Day:
National Senior Health & Fitness Day is always held the last Wednesday in May as part of Older Americans Month and National Physical Fitness and Sports Month activities. Visit fitnessday.com for more program information. The event is organized by the Mature Market Resource Center™ (MMRC), a national clearinghouse for professionals who work in senior markets. In addition to National Senior Health & Fitness Day and the Mature Fitness Awards, other well-known MMRC programs include the 22 year-old National Mature Media Awards (seniorawards.com), the New Product & Technology Awards (agingawards.com), together with professional publications and research services.
About the Silver&Fit Exercise & Healthy Aging Program:
The Silver&Fit program is an exercise and healthy aging program providing unique, evidence-based fitness and health education activities for Medicare beneficiaries and group retirees. As part of the Silver&Fit program, members have access to: no-cost or low-cost memberships at a comprehensive network of contracted fitness clubs and exercise centers; the Silver&Fit Home Fitness Program for those unable to participate at a fitness facility or who prefer to work out at home; SilverandFit.com, a website with a variety of health tools and resources specifically designed for older adults; The Silver Slate® quarterly newsletter; and a toll-free customer service hotline. Follow Silver&Fit on Twitter @SilverandFit, Instagram @SilverandFit, YouTube at www.youtube.com/silverandfit, and Facebook at www.facebook.com/SilverandFit. The Silver&Fit program is a product of American Specialty Health Fitness, Inc., a subsidiary of American Specialty Health Incorporated (ASH).