Forget fitting into your favorite pair of jeans, ladies. Forget burning tons of calories too. Yes, these are great reasons to exercise. But take a look at the bigger picture -- the reason, well five reasons, we simply must exercise. Each one falls into the category of living longer and better.

• Exercise wards off Alzheimer's. All is takes is moderate exercise two to five times per week early in life.
  

• Exercise boosts energy. Exercising when you're tired won't leave you exhausted. Instead, it will relieve your fatigue.
  

• Exercise slows down aging. The bodies of active folks can be 10 years younger than couch potatoes of the same age.
  

• Exercise helps manage menopause. Daily walking can cut stress and anxiety triggered by depleted estrogen. Try 35 minutes at four mph per day.
  

• Exercise reduces the need for drug treatment. Want to avoid drugs for managing diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol? Walk as little as three to eight miles per week.
  
  

Pick up a copy of the latest Oprah Magazine for more on this healthy topic.