Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island motivated older adults to log steps and physical activity in September as part of its first-ever Step Up Challenge.

The friendly competition not only helped participants maintain or increase their own physical activity, but also helped three senior centers – one from each of three regions in the state – earn a $2,500 grant for health and wellness activities.

The Cranston Enrichment Center won first place in its region with 7,432 average steps and 4,763,804 total steps logged, and the achievement was recognized during a ceremony at the center on Oct. 23.

The other winning facilities are the North Providence Mancini Center and the Benjamin Church Senior Center in Bristol.

“The Step Up Challenge was a big success. It really got people moving. Some participants said that the challenge got them motivated to increase their activity in an ongoing basis,” said Susan Saccoccia Olson, Medicare member information coordinator for BCBSRI.

She added: “Our oldest participant was a 97-year-old woman. She increased her activity by walking around the senior center in West Warwick.”

The four-week competition encouraged older adults to compete in support of senior centers around the state. In all, more than 1,300 participants logged nearly 142 million steps.

“People who joined the challenge said that they not only enjoyed the competition but also had a lot of fun in the process,” Olson said.

“We are thrilled with how many older Rhode Islanders participated in our first-ever Step Up Challenge and for the support they showed to senior centers around the state,” said Ivette Luna, manager of consumer engagement at BCBSRI. “Helping older adults maintain their health and wellness is a priority for BCBSRI and events like the Step Up Challenge reinforce our vision of passionately leading a state of health and well-being in Rhode Island.”