According to the current national statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 16.7 percent of people ages 45 to 64; 23.1 percent of adults 65 to 74 and 35.9 percent of adults ages 75+ are inactive. In fact, only 6 percent of women over 75 report doing any type of physical activity.That has to change and it is changing thanks to new strategies and outlooks on longevity.Many women whom I work with at the Ecumen community of Parmly LifePointes grew up with doctors who thought that exercise could harm them. Many women were taught never to get sweaty. That was ‘unlady’ like. They’re thinking differently today.Doctors are now telling us to ‘exercise’ and some older women honestly don’t know where to begin. Exercise simply hasn’t been part of their life. A good place to start is a swimming pool. Because of water’s resistance, we can work out harder and burn more calories, but feel no pain. Water supports the body and is very successful with arthritis and for people who are overweight.The next step may be a walking program and perhaps a gentle weight lifting program. Weight bearing exercise improves balance, functional strength for everyday activities, better sleep and a boost in attitude. We’re seeing a lot of people taking up exercise and other successful aging strategies at our new Vitalize! Wellness Centre. Our 2008 resolution is to keep our commitment to active aging by encouraging all adults to take charge of their health and life.Patricia Montgomery is Wellness Director at Vitalize! Wellness Centre at Ecumen’s Parmly LifePointes community.