Challenge teams up local seniors to track steps and physical activity; winning senior centers receive wellness grants

PROVIDENCE, RI – Registration is open for Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island’s (BCBSRI) first Step Up Challenge, a program aimed at helping Rhode Island seniors increase their physical activity through a friendly competition that will result in three Rhode Island senior centers receiving $2,500 grants.

In the Step Up Challenge, participants will team up with a local senior center or Your Blue Store location to track steps and physical activity. Three Rhode Island senior centers – one in each region of the state – with the highest average steps over four weeks will receive a $2,500 grant for health and wellness activities for its members. All Rhode Island seniors are welcome to join the Step Up Challenge, and are not required to be a BCBSRI member or a member of a participating senior center.

“Improving the health and well-being of Rhode Island seniors is a top priority for our company,” said Melissa Cummings, BCBSRI executive vice president and chief customer officer. “Activities like the Step Up Challenge are designed not only to increase fitness, but also to address the effects of social isolation, which has an impact on so many older adults. We’re excited to launch this challenge and hope that seniors will enjoy some friendly competition and team camaraderie while stepping their way to positive results.”

Participating stores and senior centers include:

Region 1

• Cumberland Senior Center
• Glocester Senior Center
• Johnston Senior Center
• Lincoln Senior Center
• North Providence Mancini Center
• Progreso Latino, Central Falls
• Smithfield Senior Center
• St. Martin De Porres Senior Center, Providence
• Woonsocket Senior Center
• Your Blue Store, Lincoln

Region 2

• Coventry Senior Center
• Cranston Senior Center
• Pilgrim Senior Center, Warwick
• West Warwick Senior Center
• Your Blue Store, Warwick

Region 3

• Benjamin Church Senior Center, Bristol
• East Providence Senior Center
• Leon Mathieu Senior Center, Pawtucket
• Portsmouth Senior Center
• Tiverton Senior Center
• Warren Senior Center
• Your Blue Store, East Providence

Participants must be a member of one of the senior centers listed to register as a member of that team. Any Rhode Island senior who does not belong to a participating senior center can register at one of the three Your Blue Store locations in East Providence, Warwick and Lincoln. Many of the senior centers are also offering special classes for the Step Up Challenge. BCBSRI members can track activity using the BCBSRI wellness app, powered by Virgin Pulse^®. The app also offers customized nutrition tools, a sleep tracker and the capability to create healthy challenges with other app users. Participants are advised to consult a physician before they undertake the Step Up Challenge, and participate in the program at their own risk.

Registration is now open, and the Step Up Challenge will run from September 3 through September 30, 2019. There will also be a kickoff celebration in each region featuring a walk and healthy snacks.

Warwick

Warwick City Park

185 Asylum Road

September 3, 10 a.m.

Bristol

Colt State Park Route 114

Shelter 1, by the beach

September 4, 10 a.m.

Lincoln

Lincoln Woods

2 Manchester Print Works Rd

(E-Field, Use Twin River Entrance)

September 5, 10 a.m.