The importance of exercise doesn't diminish as a person ages, and today's baby boomers are putting their own stamp on fitness. Experts estimate that 37% of health club memberships belong to people over the age of 55 and the the average age of a typical personal trainer's clients has risen from mid-30s to early 40s.

Fitness is especially important for those in their later decades because it's a time in life when age-related diseases such as arthritis and heart disease can rear their ugly heads. Exercise can ward off age-related diseases and help ease some of their symptoms, and maintain strength, agility, and balance as well. Personal trainers specially trained to help seniors can make proper adjustments for health and ability levels and teach those in the later decades to exercise without injury.

Most important, I think, is the idea that it's never to late to get out there and get moving, even if you've been sedentary for years. After you've consulted with your doctor, you can start taking slow but steady steps towards being an active person again.