Altoona,
Pennsylvania woman recognized for her inspirational journey
after a dementia diagnosis
NASHVILLE, Tenn., July 17,
2023 /PRNewswire/ --
SilverSneakers® by Tivity Health®, the
nation's leading community fitness program for older Americans,
announced today the national winner of its 19th annual
SilverSneakers Member of the Year Award. The award honors a
SilverSneakers member who inspires and motivates other seniors
through health, physical activity, and community.
"Rita's uplifting health journey is a
powerful reminder that we can reach new fitness goals, no matter
the challenge."
This year's recipient is Rita
Yetsko, 87, from Altoona,
PA. Rita was recognized for her motivating health
transformation and embodiment of wellness through movement and
social engagement.
After being diagnosed with dementia in 2021, Rita's health and
mental capabilities steadily began to decline. The doctor's
recommendations for what could slow the progress of the disease
were diet, exercise, and socialization. After some coaxing from her
daughters, Rita began attending SilverSneakers classes, and her
progress has been astonishing. She is back to the vibrant and
fun-loving person her daughters remember. Rita is now eager to go
to her SilverSneakers classes and is an inspiration to anyone who
tries to keep up with her. She attends SilverSneakers classes at
the Groove Fitness Studio in Altoona, as a free benefit through
Aetna®, her Medicare Advantage plan.
"Rita's uplifting health journey is a powerful reminder that we
can set and reach new health and fitness goals, no matter the
challenge," said Caroline Khalil,
Chief Operating Officer, Tivity
Health. "Her story and the hundreds of Member of the Year
nominations we received illustrate the significant impact
SilverSneakers has not only on our members but their families. We
are honored to provide our SilverSneakers members a continued
pathway for a long and independent lifestyle of health and
wellness."
Since Rita began attending SilverSneakers classes, she has
blossomed and is a social butterfly with her SilverSneakers friends
who look forward to seeing her. She is a champion for them and her
community. Rita attends SilverSneakers class with her family, and
an unexpected benefit is that one of her daughters, Terry, who has
a severe intellectual disability, loves attending classes with her
mom. Rita will be 88 this fall, and not slowing down anytime
soon.
"Congratulations to our Medicare Advantage member Rita for her
amazing achievements and inspirational story," said Terri Swanson, president of Medicare for Aetna,
a CVS Health® company. "We are honored to partner with
Rita on her incredible wellness journey and wish her continued good
health and happiness."
Rita will be honored alongside nine other SilverSneakers members
who were selected as finalists for the award. A public online vote
determined the national winner. Read more about the SilverSneakers
Member of the Year winner and finalists:
SilverSneakers.com/MOYAward.
SilverSneakers offers members a network of up to 22,000 fitness
locations, along with community-based options such as rec centers
and parks. Members can take part in live, instructor-led and
on-demand virtual classes in a variety of lengths and formats that
include strength training, cardio, meditation and stress
management, always bringing more to the member.
Currently, nearly 18 million Americans are eligible for
SilverSneakers at no additional cost to the member through select
Medicare Advantage, group retiree, and Medicare Supplement plans.
SilverSneakers members can use their membership for access to
multiple locations and use the SilverSneakers® GO mobile
app, to enable them to be active wherever and whenever they choose
to work out.
About SilverSneakers
SilverSneakers®, by
Tivity Health, is the nation's leading community fitness program
for Medicare-eligible Americans. The program was founded in 1992
and is available to about 18 million Americans through many
Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare Supplement carriers, and group
retiree plans. For more information, to check eligibility to enroll
in the program or sign up for a SilverSneakers newsletter, go to
silversneakers.com.
About Tivity Health
Tivity Health® Inc. is a leading
provider of healthy life-changing solutions, including
SilverSneakers®, Burnalong®, Prime® Fitness and WholeHealth
Living®. We help adults improve their health and support them on
life's journey by providing access to in-person and virtual
physical activity, social, and mental enrichment,
condition-specific programming, as well as a full suite of physical
medicine and integrative health services. We continue to enhance
the way we direct members along their journey to better health by
delivering an insights-driven, personalized, interactive
experience. Our suite of services supports health plans, employers,
hospital systems and others nationwide as they seek to reduce costs
and create healthier communities. At Tivity Health, we deliver the
resources needed to live healthier, happier, more connected lives.
Learn more at www.tivityhealth.com.
Contact:
Debbie Jacobson
Tivity Health
Debbie.jacobson@tivityhealth.com
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SOURCE Tivity Health, Inc.