SilverSneakers® fitness membership

SilverSneakers, for my mom, has been a life changer. It's been a miracle for her. If I'm not here, right on the dot of ten to pick her up, she's standing out in the street waiting for me.

I'm 88 years old. And until two years ago, I never worked out.

When she started, it was following a diagnosis of dementia, and the recommendation that diet, exercise, and socialization could slow the progression of the disease.

She came in as a very withdrawn person. Each week, she opened up more, and now she's fun to be around, and she laughs. And I think everybody in the class looks up to her and admires her.  

I could see the improvements almost immediately – in her mood, in her attitude, her old self was back.

When class is over, I just feel happier. I just look forward to everything about it. I've made a lot of friends. It's just a nice feeling to have people that will help you if you need it.

Rita deserves this award because we always talk about getting better with age, and Rita is getting better with age. It embodies exactly what SilverSneakers is trying to do, and that's improving the quality of life of all of our seniors.

Rita has inspired me to keep on going no matter what trials in your life or no matter what lies ahead. I think she is perfect example to just keep on going.

It's given us our mom back. She is back to being the crazy, silly, fun person that we've always known. It's something that will always be an incredible blessing in my life.