Highmark Health Services Extends Relationship with Healthways to Continue SilverSneakers® Fitness Pr
Highmark Health Services Extends Relationship with Healthways to Continue SilverSneakers®Fitness Program Through 2014
NASHVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- As part of its long-standing commitment to improve the health and well-being of older adult members, Highmark Health Services is extending its agreement with Healthways (NAS: HWAY) to offer the award-winning SilverSneakers® Fitness Program to eligible members through 2014. SilverSneakers, the nation's leading exercise program designed to keep older adults active and healthy, has partnered with Highmark since 2004 and is available to eligible Highmark Medicare Advantage members in Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
Using proven methodologies based upon more than 17 years of science and outcomes, the SilverSneakers Fitness Program increases physical activity in older adults, resulting in higher well-being and lower healthcare costs. SilverSneakers engages participants in more frequent strength training, aerobic, and flexibility exercise through access to a variety of venues and programming designed specifically for older adults that incorporates social experiences.
"Many individuals have a more sedentary lifestyle as they age, but a program like SilverSneakers helps older people to stay physically active and healthy," said Cindy Dellecker, Senior Vice President of Senior Markets at Highmark Health Services. "We are pleased to continue this partnership with Healthways because we know how much our members have benefitted from the program."
According to a 2012 survey, 57 percent of Highmark members who participate in SilverSneakers reported their health as excellent or very good, almost twice the national average of 32 percent for older adults. In addition, approximately 30 percent of surveyed members reported improvement in arthritis pain and lower back pain since participating in the program. Furthermore, 89 percent of Highmark SilverSneakers participants have either increased or maintained their aerobic activity level over the last year.
"The Highmark SilverSneakers member survey findings demonstrate that we are on the right track in addressing physical activity and well-being among older adults in Pennsylvania and West Virginia," said Ben R. Leedle, Jr., Healthways president and chief executive officer. "By continuing to offer SilverSneakers, Highmark demonstrates why its commitment to enhancing the health of its members is so highly regarded. Healthways is honored to partner with Highmark in its efforts to transform the lives of its older adult members through a program that is both highly rewarding and enjoyable."
The SilverSneakers Fitness Program was founded in 1992 and serves more than 10 million eligible members. The Healthways fitness center network offers convenient access to more than 15,000 participating fitness and wellness facilities nationwide.
About Highmark Health Services
Highmark Health Services is among the largest health insurers in the United States and the fourth-largest Blue Cross and Blue Shield-affiliated company. Highmark Health Services operates health insurance plans in Pennsylvania, Delaware and West Virginia that serve 5.3 million members. Its diversified health businesses serve group customer and individual health needs across the United States through dental insurance, vision care and other related health businesses. Highmark Health Services is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies. For more information, visit www.highmark.com.
About Healthways
Healthways (NAS: HWAY) is the largest independent global provider of well-being improvement solutions. 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 45 million people on four continents. Learn more at www.silversneakers.com or www.healthways.com.
Healthways
Chip Wochomurka, 615-614-4493
chip.wochomurka@healthways.com
or
Highmark
Doug Braunsdorf, 412-544-5206
douglas.braunsdorf@highmark.com
KEYWORDS: United States North America Pennsylvania Tennessee West Virginia
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