Gyms and running tracks are filled with folks who are not planning on a sedentary retirement! Many health clubs and community centers now offer classes and sports for their older members. Just because you never played a sport in your youth is no reason not to start now!

Which sports are appropriate for those over 55? The possibilities are endless. An active retirement can mean anything from walking with your friends several times a week to completing triathlons! Like anyone, you should consult your doctor before embarking a new exercise regime. Let's look at some of the more popular sports for seniors.

If you'd like to stay fit, but you're not quite ready to hit the soccer field, you may want to try golf, hiking or cycling. These are all low-impact exercise, and all are popular with retirees and those getting ready for retirement. They're good for your heart and build up muscle. Best of all, they're social sports, and can be done with friends. Combining exercise with socializing is a great way to make sure you get out there and get yourself moving!

If you live in a temperate climate, sports like golfing and hiking are easy to do year-round. But if it's snowy or cold, you'll need to find something you can do indoors. Most gyms and health clubs offer classes for every fitness level. Many have classes designed especially for Over-55s, which concentrate on issues like balance and flexibility, which tend to decrease with age. Walking on a treadmill or riding a stationary bike are both great workouts. Sign up for an aerobics class with a friend! Or go to one offered to people in your age group, and make some new friends.

If you were an athlete in your youth, there's no need to stop now just because you've gotten older! One of the benefits of retirement is that there is time to pursue new interests. If you're getting tired of the gym and looking for a new challenge, how about taking up tennis? Or joining a softball team? There are lots of sports out there that can both contribute to your health and provide you with hours of camaraderie and fun.

Although no one wants to get older, this is a great time to be in an aging population. The health benefits of exercise are outweighed only by the fun you'll have doing, alone or with your friends!