Home Administrative Billing & Reimbursement BlueCard® Health and Wellness Medical PEAR portal Pharmacy Products Quality Management

Encourage exercise to improve brain health

October 31, 2016

There is a common perception that memory loss and forgetfulness are normal parts of aging and that there is nothing that can be done. Research, however, is telling a different story.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that, while it is common for older adults to learn at a slower pace and need to have information repeated, cognitive decline is not normal. Memory loss can be caused by diseases like Alzheimer's and depression, side effects of medications, strokes, and head trauma ? but not by age alone. Memory issues, however, may be aggravated by lifestyle factors related to poor nutrition, inactivity, and stress. In fact, there is a strong link between physical activity and brain health.1 Patients with memory concerns who have no related underlying medical condition may actually be able to improve their own memory by eating healthier and exercising more.

A 2011 study by the National Institutes of Health showed that brisk walking can increase the size of the brain's hippocampus region involved in forming memories and that moderate physical exercise helps protect the aging brain. Even inactive older adults may be able to stop or reverse age-related hippocampus shrinking over the course of one year by following a moderate aerobic exercise program.2

Getting started is not easy, regardless of the benefits. SilverSneakers® Fitness program is an easy prescription for patients to follow. SilverSneakers is the nation's leading physical activity program. It is successful because it works. In fact, 60 percent of SilverSneakers members (in comparison to 29 percent of older adults nationwide) reported their health as "excellent" or "very good."3

SilverSneakers is a benefit available at no additional cost to Keystone 65 Select HMO, Keystone 65 Preferred HMO, Keystone 65 Focus Rx HMO, and Personal Choice 65SM PPO members.

SilverSneakers Fitness program

The program includes the following:

  • a fitness membership at a local fitness location ? plus access to 13,000+ locations nationwide ? with access to exercise equipment, swimming pools, saunas, and other amenities;*
  • signature SilverSneakers classes designed specifically for older adults and taught by certified instructors;
  • yoga and tai chi classes, walking groups, and other activities held outdoors and at various neighborhood locations;*
  • fun social events, a supportive online community, and helpful resources.

Encourage your Independence Medicare Advantage patients to take advantage of this valuable health benefit that will help them get stronger in body and mind. They can visit the SilverSneakers website or call 1-888-423-4632 (TTY: 711) to learn more about the program.

*Amenities vary by location

1 www.healthline.com/health-blogs/heart-smart-living/exercise-brai n-health-memory

2 www.nih.gov/researchmatters/february2011/02282011exercise.htm

3 2013 SilverSneakers Annual Member Survey

Healthways and SilverSneakers are registered trademarks or trademarks of Healthways, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries, independent companies. ©2016 Healthways, Inc. All rights reserved.


This content was prepared for the Provider News Center and may not be reproduced in any way without the express written permission of Independence Blue Cross. Independence Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
Connect with us     Facebook     Twitter     Flickr     YouTube     Walk the Talk    Independence Pinterest    Independence LinkedIn    Independence Instagram Site Map        Anti-Fraud        Privacy Policy        Legal        Disclaimer
© 2023 Independence Blue Cross.
Independence Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, serving the health insurance needs of Philadelphia and southeastern Pennsylvania.