Healthcare Cost Savings over a One-year Period for SilverSneakers Group Exercise Participants

Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine if there are healthcare cost savings differences between SilverSneakers participants who attend the SilverSneakers group classes and health plan members not enrolled in SilverSneakers. Methods: Healthcare cost differences from baseline to follow-up were compared between SilverSneakers participants and a matched control group, each with 149 participants. Results: Program participants who solely attended the SilverSneakers group classes had a statistically significant one-year cost savings relative to their comparison group (t = 2.15, p = .0321). A statistically significant dose response of SilverSneakers classes was also present (β = -22.05, p = .0219). Conclusions: SilverSneakers group exercise classes play a significant role in reducing healthcare costs among participants.