In fact, with the average woman now living to 81, staying in shape so you can make the most of the next 30 years really isn't such a bad idea.
But just 21 percent of women aged 55 to 64 do the recommended 30 minutes of exercise at least three times a week, with the figure dropping to 17 percent among the 65-plus group.
Studies show that exercise is one of the most effective methods of holding back the years -- helping to combat a range of age-related problems, from bingo-wing arms to serious illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer.
More and more mature women are healthy and turning heads -- just think of Jane Fonda, Raquel Welch and Joan Collins -- then get exercising.
Chances are, even if you're one of those annoying stick-thin couch potatoes, things will change after the big five-0.
As you get older, you lose muscle mass, and as muscle burns more calories than fat, if you carry on eating the same amount, your body fat percentage will go up. At menopause, this tends to collect in a spare tire around the middle, rather than your thighs, which is bad news.
Exercise guru Dr. Pamela Peeke explains: "Apple-shaped women are at greater risk of heart disease than pear-shaped women, who carry their weight on their hips, thighs and bottoms. This extra weight can also lead to chronic knee and back pain, [and these things] limit mobility."
