The Sequim Aquatic Recreation Center begins a new health and fitness program on Oct. 1 that is geared for eligible seniors who are 65 and older.

Scheduled from noon to closing, Monday-Friday, and all-day on Saturday and Sundays, the SARC SilverSneakers® program is part of a nationwide effort supported by Medicare to help mature adults move out of their homes and into an active lifestyle.

Participants do not need to purchase a SARC membership to join.

SilverSneakers at SARC includes access to exercise equipment, the swimming pool and hydrotherapy pool and an online tool to track fitness progress.

A third-party partner, Healthways, Inc., provides the SilverSneakers program. It contracted with various health plans offering the benefit. Seniors should check with their Medicare insurance plan to determine if they are eligible to participate in the free program.