Old age has long been perceived and reported as a period of decline, deminished productivity, and debility. We contend that such a contention is a social constructionthat inhibits and limits full inclusion of the elderly in Western societies. Much of that perception is based on the decline of physical abliities. While aging undoubtedly results in the loss of muscle mass, aerobic capacity, and physiological changes, such capacities should be considered in a relative fashion.