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It is never too late to ____ (fill in the blank) seems to be an appropriate motto for many of today's seniors. Prime timers are jumping out of airplanes and learning to skydive at 75. They are going back to school and earning graduate degrees at 80. Many are just beginning to exercise and reaping the benefits of regular physical activity.

Fortunately, It's never too late to start an exercise routine, according to Ed Howley, Ph. D., professor and head of the University of Tennessee Department of Exercise Science and Sport Management. Dr. Howley will speak to seniors at the Frank Strang Senior Center on Thursday, February 3 at 11:30 a.m.

Participants are welcome to brown bag lunch. The program is free, but please reserve your space by calling 541-4500.

Exercise is the closest thing to an anti-aging potion. Seniors who exercise regularly gain many health benefits. Exercise can help you take off fat, tone muscles, reach and maintain your ideal weight, reduce stress and help you sleep better. It can even reduce your risk of heart disease, atherosclerosis, diabetes, hypertension, some kinds of cancer, osteoporosis and depression.

Dr. Howley says that research shows that most of the favorable adaptations to exercise training seen in younger subjects are also seen in older individuals. It may take a little longer to achieve, but the benefits remain just the same.

According to Dr. Howley, when seniors begin an exercise program, they should have a thorough physical exam prior to beginning and follow a more gradual entry to the program itself to reduce the chance of problems. He says seniors have much to gain through regular participation in programs emphasizing aerobic, strength and flexibility exercises.

Dr. Howley will discuss exercise and seniors at his talk and have a question and answer session at the center on Feb. 3. Please join us.