The key to joy: Keep moving
For this Philly senior, SilverSneakers® makes it possible
Joe Holbrook, 72, is committed to helping others. Alongside fellow parishioners from his church, Joe regularly travels to locations affected by natural disasters, like New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina and the Jersey Shore after Superstorm Sandy, to provide aid.
One trip stands out for Joe. In 2011, when he was 64, Joe and his team drove to Joplin, Missouri, after the town was hit by a tornado. He noticed that a man who lived outside of Joplin was driving 40 miles into town each day to help the community. That man was 77, which was 13 years older than Joe was at the time.
“I decided I want to beat his record,” Joe jokes. “I’m planning to keep going on these mission trips until I’m 78.”
Finding strength to help others
Joe knew he needed to stay active, strong, and fit if he was to reach his goal. But after a heart scare 4 years ago, Joe knew he’d need to make serious health and lifestyle changes if he wanted to continue helping others. That’s where his SilverSneakers membership with Independence Blue Cross came in.
Nowadays, you’ll find Joe exercising at least 4 or 5 times per week. With his favorite classic rock tunes streaming through his headphones, he likes to switch things up with a mixture of both strength training and aerobic exercises.
I never get bored,” he says. He also changed his dining habits, which included eating more fish and less red meat, along with 4 or 5 servings of vegetables a day. He credits the healthy eating switch, along with his regular aerobic and strength training exercise routine, with transforming his health for the better.
“My cholesterol numbers are great and my blood pressure is normal. My doctor is really impressed with my numbers!”
To top it all off, Joe is avoiding a costly annual gym membership. “Using the SilverSneakers program allows me to exercise cost-free. I might not be able to afford it otherwise.”
Living a full and fulfilling life
Joe has 6 more years to go in order to hit his goal of serving on mission trips until his 78th birthday. Meanwhile, he is an avid golfer and loves to travel. “There are so many things I want to do, and I need stamina to keep going,” he explains. “SilverSneakers is helping me live a full — and fulfilling — life.”
Did SilverSneakers® help to change your outlook on fitness? Send us your story at silversneakers.com/mystory.