He said trainers in a traditional fitness club may not be trained to deal with the special health needs of elderly patrons, and machines may be difficult for older patrons to use. More importantly, older patrons who haven't been active may not want to begin working out in the traditional club, which means they won't stick to an exercise program.

"It's very intimidating for a non-fit, older adult," he said. Also, most wellness centers require a doctor's cooperation and approval of any new workout plan.

"If you've been inactive for a while, you should always talk to a doctor first," Rudd said. "You can have ill health and not know it."

The issue may be more critical than just being able to go for a jog or fit into a favorite pair of pants. In 2002 alone, 12,800 people over the age of 65 died from unintentional falls, according to an article on the Web site of the International Council on Active Aging. Stated another way, each hour, one older adult dies and 183 are treated in emergency rooms for fall-related injuries.

"Falls and fall-related injuries in older adults are health concerns in the active aging field, which is committed to health, well-being and quality of life for older adults," said Colin Milner, founder and CEO of the ICAA, in the online article. "Physical activity interventions that improve strength, balance and mobility can reduce falls in the older population and prevent the often devastating effects they have on individuals, as well as their families and communities."

He goes on to say poor physical mobility is a key contributor, which can be mitigated by exercise. The falls are expensive, too. The article estimates that by the year 2020, the cost of those unintentional falls will be $43.8 billion.

Both Holbrook and Rudd agree that it is never too late to begin an exercise program, and studies show it always improves the quality of a person's life.

"We work with people age 70 to 100, and we constantly monitor their behaviors and outcomes," Rudd said. "No matter what age they start, people continue to develop muscle mass, and balance and endurance can be improved regardless of age."

---

E-mail: adonaldson@desnews.com