Visit the Matt Griffin YMCA in SeaTac on a Tuesday morning and you will find the classroom packed with exercisers. Everything is as expected -- weights and rubber balls are scattered about and it’s a blur of brightly colored t-shirts and sneakers as participants work up a sweat to the music.

However, rather than pulsating pop music, the soundtrack includes Sinatra and Bing Crosby classics.

It’s perfect for SilverSneakers. Founded in 1994, SilverSneakers is a national program designed to help older adults improve strength, flexibility, balance and endurance. At the Matt Griffin YMCA in SeaTac, two classes are offered -- one for cardio and the other for strength and movement. The age range has varied from people in their 40s with mobility issues to a 94-year-old. Most are between 60-80 years old.

“It’s a great class because people can participate at whatever level they’re at,” says Debby Karlin, SilverSneakers instructor.

Common issues that class members face are arthritis, joint pain and recovery from replacements, cardiovascular health and generally wanting to improve their quality of life.

“People start with limitations and I watch them blossom to the point that they get rid of the pain and are moving freely,” says Karlin.
Helen Mah, 72 years old, has attended SilverSneakers for nearly two years and personally attests to the benefits. “I have arthritis and before I started (class), I could barely get into the car, but now I easily can,” says Mah.

Classes run approximately an hour and the atmosphere is enthusiastic. Hugs are given as people arrive and choose spots. Participants are welcome to do exercises while seated, if they need help balancing, or standing. A 15-minute stretching routine is followed by work with rubber balls, resistance bands and light weights. Many moves mimic daily activities such as reaching for a shelf or turning a steering wheel.

“Some of these seniors have been active all their lives and some haven’t exercised until they retired, but they all recognize the value of it,” says Karlin, a 20-year YMCA employee.

Programs such as SilverSneakers are finding popularity, in part, because of growing demand.

“The senior population has really increased for people attending gyms,” says Karlin. A benefit of SilverSneakers is that many Medicare plans cover the cost of gym membership.

“It’s not just the number of years, but it’s the quality of years,” says LaMar Barrows. Since beginning SilverSneakers, Barrows’ health improved to the point that he no longer needs his previous blood pressure and cholesterol medications. His results are not unusual. John Musselman’s blood pressure dropped 10 points since he began SilverSneakers in January.

However, like many of his peers, it isn’t just the health benefits that keep Musselman coming to class. The social aspect is equally important. “Everybody becomes friends,” he says.

People attend with spouses, adult children, friends or solo and they all inevitably develop new relationships. The sense of camaraderie is evident as classmates offer words of encouragement and celebrate successes.

A recent and notable success was that of Sally Konopka who started SilverSneakers in November 2010. Konopka was one of only four seniors nationally recognized with the 2011 SilverSneakers Richard L. Swanson Inspiration Award. Konopka, now in her 60s, has dealt with rheumatoid arthritis for decades and is unflagging in her dedication to the program.

“I started out in a walker,” says Konopka, who fully participates in class and now walks without assistance. “I hope to continue to be more mobile. There is more motivation in being part of the class. It’s like a support group. We know each other and these are my friends.”

The admiration is mutual from the staff. “I love these people!” enthuses Tom Taaffe who occasionally teaches SilverSneakers classes. “They are so fabulous and appreciative of this class. It’s fantastic.”

While participants take their health seriously, they demonstrate that laughter can be good medicine, too. Both instructors frequently and affectionately joke with attendees. After an inadvertent double entendre cracked up the class, Karlin chuckled that, “laughing is good for the endorphins, too!”

Additional classes at the YMCA may be needed if the popularity of SilverSneakers continues growing. Either way, the laughter and grins will keep coming.

“I was smiling all the way from the doctor’s office this morning,” says Musselman.