Physical Activity

Most SCAN plans offer a fitness benefit through One Pass. More than just a gym membership, One Pass works with many local YMCAs and even popular boutique locations, like pilates and yoga studios, and other specialty fitness clubs.

And, One Pass offers a wide variety of on-demand and live-streaming classes. You’re sure to find plenty that will inspire you to get moving.

It’s easy to get started with One Pass. Sign up now and get started right away! To find out how, just click here.

Regular physical activity benefits older adults in many ways. As little as 30 minutes of movement several days a week can help you:

• Ease arthritis pain and symptoms
• Manage chronic conditions by lowering the risk of heart disease and high blood pressure
• Feel better and sleep better
• Prevent or delay onset of serious conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease and dementia

One of the most important benefits of regular exercise is fall prevention. When you exercise regularly, your bones get stronger, you can move more freely and your balance is better—making it less likely you will fall or break a bone.

Your One Pass membership includes the Age Bold fall prevention program. This personalized, online program is designed to be done on your own schedule and at your own pace. Learn more on the One Pass page.

For more information about preventing falls and maintaining your mobility and independence, click here.

How to make your workouts work for you

Get a “prescription for exercise.” Talk to your doctor about an exercise routine that works for you and your health goals. For most people, it’s recommended to aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity, such as walking, several days a week. Depending on your health and fitness, you may need to start slowly at first. Then add time and intensity as you feel more comfortable.

Make a plan to be physically active that fits into your life and that you can follow. Set a goal to be more active most days of the week.

Focus on the four. Get more all-around benefit from your exercise routine by combining a variety of activities that focus on these things:

Find workouts that can work for your budget, too. Read Get Fit for Free for other ideas on how to get moving without spending a dime.

According to the American Diabetes Association, regular exercise can help you take control of your life and your diabetes. They tell us that “along with your diet and medications, regular physical activity is an important part of managing diabetes or dealing with prediabetes.” Why? Because when you’re active, your cells can use insulin more effectively. So, you look and feel better.  In fact, because of the increased sensitivity to insulin, physical activity can lower blood sugars for 24 hours, or even longer! *

And, it doesn’t matter if you haven’t been active before, just that you get started now. Talk to your doctor about what would be good for you and then start slowly. It can be as simple as taking short walks or taking advantage of your Fitness Membership benefit.

Take a moment to visit the American Diabetes Association’s website for some inspiration and ideas on great activities to start with.

*https://www.diabetes.org/healthy-living/fitness/getting-started-safely/blood-glucose-and-exercise

Where to Go Online to Learn More:

National Institute on Aging. Provides tips, resources and tools for seniors and caregivers about nutrition, exercise, fall prevention and staying motivated. Includes printable tip sheets, exercise videos and goal tracker. Also available in Spanish.

Office on Women’s Health. For information on physical activity for older women. Also available in Spanish.

Short Video Workouts to Try:

• Upper Body Exercises for Seniors and the Elderly, Strength training for seniors (Eldergym Fitness for seniors)
• Flexibility Stretches for Seniors, stretching for elderly, increase range of motion for older adults (Eldergym Fitness for seniors)

Find many more videos designed for seniors of all fitness levels in your One Pass member account. Click to learn more.