At 78, Perry Pickett says he holds the title as “oldest Pickett in the family” and he has no intention of giving that up anytime soon. To ensure that, Pickett attends the Renton Senior Activity Center’s aerobics class twice a week to stay healthy.

“I’m an active person,” he says with a big grin.

Earlier this week, Pickett was one of about 15 seniors taking part in the Center’s morning aerobics class, just one of the many fitness programs offered to keep seniors active and moving.

“You’ll stay alive longer and be healthier!” says Debbie Little, the Center’s recreation coordinator.

Little says the Center not only feature programs like the higher-impact aerobics, but also low-impact stretching, strength and balance classes, tai chi, yoga and even classes like tap dancing, all designed to encourage activity among the city’s aging population.

“As you get older, your muscles will atrophy faster,” Little says. “So it is a time game. Don’t wait.”

Little says there was something for every activity level and ability. At the least-impact level are the chair/stretching exercise classes, designed to help keep those with limited mobility moving. The class is open to all, including those in wheelchairs or walkers.

Next up is the strength and balance classes, which uses stretching bands and balls and works muscles just a bit harder. Little says it’s not intense, but you will feel it.

And finally, at the top level, there’s the twice-weekly aerobics classes, which cost a $3 drop-in fee.

For people looking for a more activity-based fitness regimen, the Center has them covered too, from classes on tai chi and yoga, as well as dancing, to a co-ed softball league to Pickleball, Bean Bag Baseball and Beach Ball Volleyball, programs Little says have proven to be very popular, even edging out the Nintendo Wii, which has taken hold in Senior Centers around the region.

Little says the tai chi and yoga classes are aimed at seniors and focus on stretching, breathing and flexibility, but really offer quite a workout, especially for the core.

“It’s a whole-body experience,” she says.

And for those who want a more traditional workout, the Senior Center also has a fitness room, complete with several machines like treadmills, stationary bikes, stairclimbers, a bicep curl and a chest press, among others. The cost is $1 per day and an orientation is required prior to a first visit.

There are also plenty of trails and places to walk close by, which get used regularly by walking groups that set out from the Center.

Little says staying active and healthy can lead to longer, healthier and happier lives and she encourages all members of the community to get take advantage of what the Center has to offer.

“Just get started,” she says. “Even if it’s just walking. You don’t have to run a marathon.”

For more information contact the Renton Senior Activity Center at 425-430-6633 or pick up a “Golden Opportunities” guide at City Hall or the Center.