More than 2,000 seniors to compete in sports and games throughout the
                                   region

    PHILADELPHIA, May 12 /PRNewswire/ -- May is Older Americans Month and
Independence Blue Cross will once again cosponsor the Senior Games, held at
dozens of locations throughout the five-county Philadelphia region. The
games are usually a week long, and take place at various times in each
county, beginning Monday, May 12 and continuing through the month of June.
More than 2,000 seniors, ages 50 and older, are expected to show their
commitment to staying physically and mentally fit by participating in the
games.

    The Senior Games were created in 1985 by the National Senior Games
Association to promote a healthy, social, and active lifestyle among older
adults. The first national games were held in 1987 in St. Louis, MO, with
2,500 participants. Games have been held every two years since throughout
the U.S.

    The games feature a wide variety of activities including swimming,
running, golf, bowling, tennis, track and field, horseshoes, dance,
shuffleboard, chess, scrabble, and more. They are sponsored by the
Departments of Recreation and/or Services for the Aging in each county.
Winners from counties throughout Pennsylvania will go on to compete in the
state games in York, PA, which will be held July 22-27. State winners will
be invited to participate in the next national Senior Games in 2009, which
will take place in San Francisco, CA, and are expected to draw nearly
13,000 participants.

    Independence Blue Cross (IBC) will also open the doors of its Walk-In
Service Center on Monday, May 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., for free health
screenings geared toward seniors, including diabetic foot checks, and
stroke and Alzheimer assessments. Visitors can also learn about
SilverSneakers(R), IBC's new award-winning fitness program for eligible
Medicare Advantage members. The program is free to members and includes a
basic membership at any participating SilverSneakers gym, fitness center or
facility that promotes physical activity, along with specialized fitness
classes, aerobics and social events.

    "The Senior Games are an exciting competitive activity for seniors, and
great fun for their families, friends, and the entire community," said
IBC's Stephen Fera, vice president of Government Programs. "It's also a
positive reminder about the many benefits of maintaining a healthy
lifestyle, staying physically and mentally active, eating wisely, and being
socially involved."

    "We are very pleased that Independence Blue Cross continues to support
the Senior Games and show its commitment to helping people of all ages stay
physically fit and healthy," said Lynn Spiro, Director of Older Adult
Services for the City of Philadelphia Department of Recreation. "In our
county, there are activities and games geared toward people with all
interests, abilities and skills, and we hope seniors will take advantage of
the opportunity to have fun and meet new people."

    IBC has cosponsored the Philadelphia county Senior Games since they
began in the late 1980s. For more information or to register for the games,
seniors can contact their county Department of Recreation or Department of
Aging Services. Registration fees, numbers of participants and other
details will vary from county to county.

    About Independence Blue Cross

    Independence Blue Cross is a leading health insurer in Southeastern
Pennsylvania. IBC and its affiliates provide coverage to nearly 3.4 million
people. For 70 years, Independence Blue Cross has offered high-quality
health care coverage tailored to meet the changing needs of members,
employers, and health care professionals. Independence Blue Cross is an
independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, an
association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans.

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