Is Renew Active the same as Silver Sneakers? A Detailed Comparison

According to the National Institute on Aging, regular physical activity can help maintain independence and improve health as we age. For many seniors looking to stay active, programs like Renew Active and Silver Sneakers are popular options, leading many to ask: is Renew Active the same as Silver Sneakers?

Quick Summary

Renew Active is not the same as Silver Sneakers; they are distinct wellness and fitness programs with different insurance affiliations, network sizes, and benefits, such as Renew Active's stronger focus on cognitive health.

Key Points

• Exclusive vs. Widespread Availability: Renew Active is available exclusively through UnitedHealthcare Medicare plans, while Silver Sneakers is offered by numerous other insurance providers.

• Mind and Body vs. Community Focus: Renew Active integrates mental wellness with physical fitness via AARP's Staying Sharp program, whereas Silver Sneakers emphasizes community building through group classes.

• Different Network Sizes: Renew Active reports a slightly larger network of over 25,000 fitness locations compared to Silver Sneakers' network of over 15,000.

• Personalized vs. Group Training: Renew Active offers an annual 1-on-1 with a personal trainer for a custom plan, a benefit not typically included with a standard Silver Sneakers membership.

• Membership Access: Your eligibility for either program is determined by your specific Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan, making checking your plan the first step.

Understanding Medicare Fitness Programs

Both Renew Active and Silver Sneakers are fitness programs offered as a no-cost benefit through certain Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans. While both aim to promote an active lifestyle among older adults, their key differences are important to understand before choosing a plan based on the included fitness perk. Your choice will ultimately depend on your insurance provider, your fitness goals, and the program's specific offerings.

Renew Active: The UnitedHealthcare Exclusive

Renew Active is a fitness program created and offered exclusively to eligible members of select UnitedHealthcare Medicare plans. Its focus extends beyond physical fitness to include cognitive and social wellness. A key feature is the annual one-on-one session with a personal trainer to develop a customized fitness plan.

Beyond gym access, Renew Active includes:

• Access to the AARP® Staying Sharp® program, which offers interactive brain health exercises, videos, and cognitive assessments to help keep your mind engaged.
• Entry to the online Fitbit Community for Renew Active, which includes premium content with thousands of on-demand workout videos and guided programs.
• Opportunities for social activities, such as local classes and clubs, covering interests like hiking, dancing, and arts and crafts.
• A reportedly larger network of participating gyms and fitness locations, with over 25,000 facilities nationwide.

Silver Sneakers: A Community-Focused Program

Silver Sneakers is a popular fitness program that partners with a wide variety of insurance carriers, including Aetna, Humana, and Blue Cross. Its core mission is to provide older adults with access to fitness locations and a strong sense of community. The program emphasizes both physical fitness and social engagement, with a large network of over 15,000 participating fitness centers and community locations.

Benefits of a Silver Sneakers membership include:

• Access to thousands of participating gyms, community centers, and recreation facilities across the country.
• Specialized in-person and live online fitness classes designed for all skill levels, such as SilverSneakers Classic, Yoga, and Tai Chi.
• An extensive online library of on-demand workout videos for home use.
• The SilverSneakers GO app, which helps members find locations, track activity, and access workouts on the go.
• A supportive online community and local social events to foster connections among members.

Key Differences at a Glance: Comparison Table

Feature	Renew Active	Silver Sneakers
Insurance Provider	Exclusively UnitedHealthcare plans	Many different carriers (e.g., Aetna, Humana)
Network Size	Over 25,000 locations reported	Over 15,000 locations reported
Wellness Focus	Holistic (Physical, Cognitive, Social)	Community-focused (Physical and Social)
Cognitive Health	Yes, via AARP® Staying Sharp®	Limited or not a core focus
Personalized Plan	Annual 1-on-1 trainer session included	No, primarily group-focused
App Access	Includes the Fitbit Community	Includes SilverSneakers GO app
Online Classes	Live streaming and on-demand videos	Live Zoom classes and on-demand library

How to Determine Which Program is Right for You

The right fitness program is not determined by which one is 'better' overall, but by which one best fits your specific needs and situation.

1. Check Your Insurance: The most critical step is confirming which program, if any, is included with your Medicare Advantage plan. If you have a UnitedHealthcare plan, you are likely eligible for Renew Active. If you have a different provider, such as Aetna or Humana, you may have Silver Sneakers.

2. Evaluate Your Goals: Consider what is most important to you. If you value a more comprehensive wellness approach that includes brain health and a potentially larger network of gyms, Renew Active may be a better fit. If you are looking for a strong sense of community, a wide variety of specialized group classes, and flexibility in insurance providers, Silver Sneakers might be preferable.

3. Assess Accessibility: While both offer extensive networks, the specific gyms available near you may differ. Check the program websites to find participating locations in your zip code and see if your preferred gym is included.

4. Prioritize Your Plan's Core Benefits: Remember that fitness programs are bonus perks. Your ultimate decision on a Medicare plan should be based on its overall coverage, costs, and network of doctors, not just the included fitness program.

Which Program is Better?

The question of which program is 'better' has no single answer, as it is entirely dependent on the individual's needs and insurance coverage. Renew Active offers a more holistic approach with its focus on mental wellness through AARP's Staying Sharp and personalized fitness plans. This might appeal to those who want a body and mind fitness solution.

Silver Sneakers, on the other hand, excels at fostering social connection and community engagement through its group fitness classes and events. It is also more widely available across various insurance providers, which is a major advantage for those not on a UnitedHealthcare plan. Therefore, the 'better' program is the one that aligns best with your specific health plan, fitness interests, and preference for community versus personalized training.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict

In summary, while both Renew Active and Silver Sneakers are valuable fitness benefits for seniors covered by Medicare Advantage plans, they are not interchangeable. Renew Active is an exclusive UnitedHealthcare offering that emphasizes both mental and physical fitness, whereas Silver Sneakers is widely offered across many different insurance providers and is well-regarded for its strong community component. The right choice is the one that is available through your health plan and best matches your personal fitness and wellness goals.

To explore more about staying active as you age, visit the National Institute on Aging.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I am eligible for Renew Active or Silver Sneakers?

To determine your eligibility, you must check your specific Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plan. You can typically do this by contacting your insurance provider directly or visiting the program's official website and entering your health plan information.

Can I have both Renew Active and Silver Sneakers?

No, you cannot be a member of both programs simultaneously. Your eligibility is tied to your specific health insurance plan, and your plan will only offer one or the other as a benefit.

Is one program more expensive than the other?

Both Renew Active and Silver Sneakers are offered at no additional cost to eligible members through their respective Medicare Advantage plans. The cost is covered as part of the plan's benefits package.

What if I want to switch from Renew Active to Silver Sneakers?

Switching programs requires changing your Medicare Advantage plan during an eligible enrollment period, such as the Annual Election Period. You would need to enroll in a new plan that offers Silver Sneakers as a benefit.

Do both programs offer online classes for working out at home?

Yes, both Renew Active and Silver Sneakers provide members with access to online fitness classes and extensive on-demand video libraries, allowing for convenient home workouts.

Does Renew Active offer any benefits for brain health?

Yes, Renew Active partners with AARP to provide the Staying Sharp® program, which includes cognitive assessments, brain-training games, and educational content to support mental wellness.

Are all gyms covered by Renew Active or Silver Sneakers?

No, not all gyms are covered. Both programs work with a specific network of participating fitness locations. You should use the online search tool for each program to find locations near you.