The SilverSneakers Program Still Exists
For many seniors, there has been no name change at all. The SilverSneakers program is still fully operational under its original name, provided by Tivity Health, an independent company. Tivity Health continues to manage the program and its network of thousands of gyms, community centers, and online resources nationwide. The confusion arises because some major insurance providers have made changes to their specific offerings, which has led many to believe the program itself has been renamed or discontinued.
Why Some Members Switched to Renew Active
Beginning in 2023, UnitedHealthcare, which offers plans through AARP, transitioned its members from SilverSneakers to a different program called Renew Active. This shift was a decision by UnitedHealthcare to provide its own proprietary fitness program. It's important to stress that this change was specific to UnitedHealthcare/AARP plans and not a rebrand of the SilverSneakers program across the board. The result was that many long-time AARP members suddenly found their gym access through SilverSneakers was no longer valid, requiring them to switch to the new Renew Active benefit to continue enjoying fitness perks.
What is Renew Active?
Renew Active is the alternative fitness program now offered to eligible UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plan members. This program also provides access to a network of gyms and fitness centers, but its network may differ from SilverSneakers. Renew Active often includes additional features not found in SilverSneakers, such as access to online brain health challenges from the AARP's Staying Sharp program and a wider array of virtual resources. For those affected by the switch, it's crucial to get a new confirmation code through the official AARP or UnitedHealthcare member portal to register with Renew Active.
Comparison of SilverSneakers and Renew Active
The following table highlights some of the key differences between the two popular senior fitness programs.
| Feature | SilverSneakers | Renew Active (UnitedHealthcare/AARP) |
|---|---|---|
| Insurance Provider(s) | Available through many different carriers, including Humana, Anthem, and some Blue Cross Blue Shield plans. | Exclusively available with eligible UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans. |
| Network Size | Claims thousands of participating gym and community center locations nationwide. | Network size varies, with some reports noting a potentially larger network due to UnitedHealthcare's broad reach. |
| Digital Offerings | Provides SilverSneakers On-Demand videos, virtual classes (SilverSneakers LIVE), and other online resources. | Includes online workouts, resources for healthy aging, and access to the AARP's Staying Sharp brain health program. |
| Specialized Classes | Includes SilverSneakers FLEX classes in various community settings and online. | Focuses on personalized fitness plans and a wide range of online and in-person class options. |
| Social Component | Emphasizes building a community and social engagement for members. | Offers social opportunities and connects members to activities within the broader community. |
How to Check Your Specific Fitness Benefits
Given that the program you have access to depends entirely on your insurance plan, checking your benefits is the most important step. Do not assume your program has a new name based on what you hear from others, as their insurance may be different.
- Check Your Insurance Card or Member Portal: Your plan details or member portal will indicate if you have access to a fitness benefit. It will explicitly list either SilverSneakers, Renew Active, or a different program. If you are a UnitedHealthcare/AARP member, log in to
myAARPMedicare.comand look under the "Health & Wellness" tab. - Contact Your Insurance Provider: Call the customer service number on the back of your insurance card. The representative can tell you exactly which fitness benefit is included with your plan, if any, and help you find a participating location.
- Visit the Program Websites: If your plan offers SilverSneakers, you can check eligibility and find locations directly on the official SilverSneakers website. For Renew Active, you can find more information through the UnitedHealthcare/AARP member portal.
Beyond the Gym: The Power of Program Choice
While access to gym equipment and facilities is a major draw for both programs, their benefits extend far beyond. Both SilverSneakers and Renew Active offer extensive online resources that are particularly useful for those who prefer to exercise at home. These include on-demand workout videos, live virtual classes, and wellness content. This digital expansion has made these benefits more accessible and inclusive, especially for seniors with limited mobility or those who live far from a participating gym.
Furthermore, the social engagement aspect is a key benefit. Regular participation in fitness classes, whether in-person or online, can help combat feelings of isolation and build community, which is crucial for mental and emotional well-being in older adults. The ability to choose a program that aligns with individual preferences, whether focused on a specific gym network or on-demand content, is a powerful tool for maintaining health and vitality in aging.
The Landscape of Senior Fitness Benefits
The decision by UnitedHealthcare to move to Renew Active highlights a broader trend among insurance providers to create and manage their own health and wellness programs. This gives them more control over benefits and costs, but can also cause confusion for members, as seen with the question, What is the new name for SilverSneakers? It's a reminder that fitness benefits, like any insurance coverage, can change from year to year. Seniors should make it a habit to review their plan's annual benefits to ensure they are aware of any program changes, additions, or network updates.
Conclusion
To put it simply, SilverSneakers does not have a new name for most people. The company still exists and the program is still widely offered by many different insurance providers. The widespread confusion about a 'new name' was caused by a specific change made by UnitedHealthcare and AARP, who replaced SilverSneakers with their own program, Renew Active, for their plan members. Ultimately, your specific insurance plan determines which program you have access to, and a simple check of your benefits or a quick call to your provider is the best way to get the correct information and get back to your fitness routine.
