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More senior citizens are keeping their minds sharp and their bodies fit by spending their days inside some health clubs in Great Falls.

Recent changes to health insurance programs have allowed more seniors to get financial assistance for gym memberships - but it's much more than money that keeps them going.

Gold's Gym estimated that 30% of its members are over the age of 60, and the Peak Health & Wellness Center reports that 1,600 of its members are between age 60 and 100 - and 17 of their members are over the age of 90.

Leila Kidrick recently joined a gym for the first time, at the age of 76. She said, ""I think it's good for your health, I think it's good for my muscles, I think it's good to keep me in shape."

Kidrick is just one of the growing population of senior gym members in Great Falls.

Jan Shelton, 72, is an instructor at a gym, and she likes the trend: "It's increased a lot, and I think that it's great that more and more people realize you can start this at any age."

Shelton noted, "I like to feel like when I go to see my children and my grandchild, they don't say, 'Oh here comes grandma, she is a real drag.' I want them to think I can hike with them, I can bike with them, I can cook with them, I can do whatever."

Great Falls gyms are continuing to add more classes tailored for seniors, focusing on stability and mobility.

And although they come to break a sweat, for many the best part is the companionship and camaraderie.

Leila said, "I think it's good for me to get out and mingle and have something to talk about when I come home!"