BOSTON -- A group of senior citizens is proving that you're never too old to start an active lifestyle.

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Liz Brunner Reports On Athletes

NewsCenter 5's Liz Brunner reported that the giant slalom is Rose Novak's sport. Her average speed is 35 mph. Rose is 63 years young.

"My husband says sports are all done for the hot shower afterwards, and I think that's true," Novak said.

Karen Ohlrich started downhill skiing at 60. She does 25-mile bike rides and just ran a half marathon in Switzerland. "It's one of those things that you say you're never too old to try, and it's just fun," Ohlrich said.

That was the theme of a conference Friday at the Simmons School of Health Studies. Students heard from active Simmons alumni, like Cricket Laun, 79, who finished first in her age group at the Bermuda 10K this year.

"The aerobic exercise helps a lot and then I could eat anything I want. I love to eat. I graze, my husband tells me," Laun said.

Teacher Peggy Saslow hits the courts a couple times a week. She played tennis in college, then took it up again 20 years ago when she turned 60.

"I went out with the eighth-grade class, and they had a tennis team, and I started learning all over again," Saslow said.

The crowd learned it's never too late to fall in love with a sport.

"These women had great fulfilled lives, and when they retired, exercise was such a large part of their lives," student Lindsey Turner said.

"I think it was great. They were so inspirational," student Lorrisa Farnam said.

Peggy Ostrander did her first triathlon at the age of 64. She's done three since. She said to find what you like doing, and don't make excuses.

"Whatever you commit to, walking, biking, tennis, whatever, do it," Ostrander said.

The women had some practical advice for the college crowd. Eat right, make sure you've got the right equipment to safely do your sport and never say you can't do it.