Back in the 1970s and early 1980s, I jumped on the fitness bandwagon; not realizing at the time that I was part of a baby boomer trend (heck, I didn’t even realize I was a baby boomer). I took high-impact aerobics classes, dance classes and, of course, tried Jane Fonda videotapes. Jane, looking lovely in her stockings and leotards, barely breaking a sweat, would guide us flabby people through those complicated steps and rumors (bulimic, but who knows?).

Somewhere along the way, I learned to love sweating, along with millions of other baby boomers.

Fast-forward to 2014 and sadly, that fitness trend among baby boomers has faded. According to recent reports, the number of baby boomers who exercise has dropped significantly, and more than half of us don’t exercise at all. This is a serious problem, because a person’s exercise habits and fitness level have a direct relationship to healthy living.

Further research shows that while boomers are living longer, we also have worsening health problems and disabilities. More of us are developing Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Many boomers are obese, have type II diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and other debilitating health conditions. What is the use of living longer if we are not living better?

A great deal of research has shown that sedentary lifestyles, coupled with unhealthy eating habits, is what leads to many age-related disabilities and illnesses. Exercise has been shown to be a boon to our health in many ways. These are just some examples:

• Strength training and other weight-bearing exercises help protect our bones from osteoporosis.

• Strength training also helps us build and tone muscles. Since muscle burns more calories than fat, it helps us maintain a healthy weight as we age.

• Cardiovascular exercise helps us avoid heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and other age-related conditions.

• Exercise, both cardiovascular and strength, helps keep our brain cells alive and kicking, to protect against dementia.

• Exercise improves sleep, which also improves our brain health.

• Exercise helps improve our mental health by helping us control depression and stress.

There is no excuse to exercise options

• Join a walking group at a mall or an outdoor walking club. Walking costs next to nothing and is one of the easiest exercises to start.

• Join a nonjudgmental gym, like Planet Fitness. I’ve read that there are gyms catering to us, and that’s a huge trend, considering how many of us are alive and well.

• Workout in front of the TV – Fitness gurus like Leslie Sansone, Billy Blanks, Chris Freytag and many more offer a wide variety of DVDs for all fitness levels.

• Love the idea of ​​a fitness class? Try Zumba, Pilates, Yoga, or even water aerobics. Many local communities offer classes through their Parks and Recreation departments, and most of them are reasonably priced.

• Get on your bike. Many communities offer bike trails, and biking is great spring and summer exercise.

I don’t know about you fellow boomers, but I’m not necessarily afraid of getting old. What I fear is losing my health and my ability to enjoy life to the fullest. To that end, I will do my best to avoid those age-related diseases. Heck, I might dig up one of my old Jane Fonda videos.