Margaret Masters, a Humana member known as “Miss Margaret,” is the 2021 SilverSneakers Member of the Year. At 98 years old, she is an inspiration to many, taking SilverSneakers Zumba classes at the Neighborhood Center in Metairie, outside of New Orleans.
When the pandemic shifted SilverSneakers classes to a virtual format, tech-savvy Miss Margaret fired up Zoom and started dancing from her home. She even helped some of her friends and classmates get going on Zoom, many of whom said they would have fallen into a depression without the weekly online Zumba class.
“You can do Zumba in your pajamas, and nobody cares,” said Miss Margaret, explaining why she thinks it’s important to people to take SilverSneakers classes online and get in a good workout from the comfort and privacy of their home.
On August 29, life for Miss Margaret and millions of others changed drastically when Hurricane Ida made landfall on the Louisiana coast. Margaret’s home was damaged, but she was safe as she rode out the storm at a neighbor’s house. Days later, her fitness instructor and SilverSneakers Instructor of the Year finalist, Deana Lejarza resumed Zoom classes powered by a generator to help her members stay virtually connected and healthy. Some members evacuated to neighboring states, but everyone was appreciative to virtually connect again with their SilverSneakers friends.
It’s not just about dancing and exercising. Miss Margaret formed close friendships with her fellow Zumba dancers, and the entire class keeps in touch – during COVID and during hurricanes.
SilverSneakers Member of the Year recipients are selected because they embody a healthy, active lifestyle regardless of age. Read more about Miss Margaret and the other SilverSneakers Member of the Year finalists here.
Humana Neighborhood Centers, both in-person and online via the Virtual Neighborhood Center, offer special events, programs and activities designed to improve physical and mental health. SilverSneakers classes at the Neighborhood Centers are available to Humana Medicare members whose plans include the SilverSneakers benefit. SilverSneakers classes are also offered at participating gyms and fitness facilities. Many other services offered at the Neighborhood Centers can be used by anyone, including those who are not Humana members, at no cost.
Humana health benefit plans have exclusions and limitations and terms under which the coverage may be continued in force or discontinued. For costs and complete details of the coverage, call or write your Humana insurance agent or the company.
Your results may vary. It may not be typical to improve health conditions by taking the actions Miss Margaret did