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Priority Health and John Ball Zoo present ‘Senior Days’

Posted at 7:51 AM, Jun 16, 2016
and last updated 2016-06-16 07:51:38-04

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Priority Health has joined forces with the John Ball Zoo in launching a new program called Senior Days. Every Wednesday through October 12, anyone 62+ will only have to pay $4 to get into the zoo, more than half off the $9 seniors normally pay this time of year.

However, there is a bonus for Priority Health Medicare members: they can attend the zoo Wednesdays for free.

All this is an effort to provide greater zoo access for senior citizens.

Priority Health's Senior Vice President of Government Markets Wayne Wilson says he's hoping the program will help keep seniors fit, happy and healthy. "It really aligns with what Priority Health strives to do, which is help improve both the health and lives of our members," Wilson said.

FOX 17 spoke with Rich Vanhouten, a Priority Health Medicare member who visited the zoo Wednesday with his grandchildren, and he thinks program is great. "A lot of senior citizens find they haven’t planned well enough. Personally, we’re okay, but I think for a lot of folks getting discounts on things is pretty important," Vanhouten said.

To get the discount, all you have to do is show your Priority Health Medicare membership card. If you are not a Priority Health member, just show I.D to prove you are over 62 years old.

Senior Days is just one of two partnerships the zoo and Priority Health have. The Silver Explorers program is heading into its second season this year. It's exclusive to Priority Health Medicare members. Every Wednesday, zoo staff will provide a one hour guided tour, helping seniors learn more about animals and their habits.

To learn more about the programs, click here.