CORVALLIS, Ore. >> Local seniors are reshaping the economy and working in greater numbers, and one reason why is that they’re in far better shape than previous generations, according to economic and aging experts.

“Generally speaking, we’ve got one of the best-educated and healthy cohorts in baby boomers who are aging into what has traditionally been their retirement years,” said John Tapogna, president of ECONorthwest, an economic consulting firm.

There also have been advances in medical care, the Corvallis Gazette-Times reported (http://bit.ly/24jttDj), so the average person at age 65 might not be as broken down as even 20 or 30 years ago, sources said.

And, in the past, there were more blue-collar jobs that were rough on workers’ bodies, added Patrick O’Connor, a regional economist with the Oregon Employment Department.

Those seeking anecdotal evidence of fit seniors needed to look no further than Timberhill Athletic Club, which had plenty of gray-haired residents working out on a recent Friday afternoon.

(The club offers a discounted rate for seniors, members said.)

Fran Wong, 66, who was participating in an aerobics class, said that seniors have stayed far fitter than in the past, so they’re able to do more. She gets to the gym three times a week on average to stay in shape.

Terry Nordstrom, 73, a former Hewlett-Packard engineer who was lifting weights, said that he plays golf and gardens besides visiting Timberhill.

“Here, especially, you see a lot of older people exercising,” said Les Boudreaux, the 75-year-old former owner of Corvallis running store Five Star Sports.

Boudreaux still bicycles regularly and often goes fishing twice a week.

“The fitness level for seniors in this town is above average. I see so many people doing hiking, walking and bicycling,” he added.

And outdoor opportunities, such as multiuse trails and paths, are a major bonus for many people who want to move to the area.

Many people want to retire in warm-weather spots, such as Arizona or Florida, but the mid-Willamette Valley offers plenty for outdoorsmen and women who prefer the wild.

“I can go out the door and in 10 minute on my bike be out in the country. It’s so easy to find places to exercise (outside),” Boudreaux said.