Ann Monroe emerged from the glittering Olympic-size pool with water still dripping off her green bathing suit after about an hour of twisting, kicking and completing crunches.

Monroe describes herself as an ordinary 92-year-old. She drives, enjoys avocados for dinner, and works out every week at the Homestead Family YMCA's SilverSplash program, a ``gray'' friendly activity.

She is one example of aging baby boomers who are tapping into active lifestyle choices and creative social activities to boost their physical and mental health. From water activities, to creating art on recycled material and hip-hop inspired line dancing, seniors are embracing fun programs.

``I have friends who only walk as far as the mail box. Just because you get old, doesn't mean you have to tire out,'' Monroe said.

Sara Czaja, co-director of the University of Miami's Center on Aging, a multidisciplinary research and educational institution that study aging, said that unlike previous aging seniors, baby boomers are more active and tend to keep up with current trends.

``The landscape of aging is changing drastically. This generation have more education and opportunities. They are also living longer,'' she said.

The SilverSplash Program in Homestead is reminiscent of an aerobics-meets-dance class in the shallow end of a pool.

``For adults who have any injuries or joint problems, it's a low-impact activity that yields results and it's also a great social hour,'' said Rachel Kohler, 24, an aquatic instructor at the YMCA.

While the classes, which range on average from 15 to 30 students welcome all ages, most students are over 40, Kohler said.

To keep her students motivated and entertained, Kohler incorporates a range of ``old-school'' moves that predates her, but keeps her students excited. ``Now do the twist . . . the mash potato . . . do the swim,'' she yelled, at a recent workout.

A cacophony of bodies jittered in the water to the Village People's YMCA song blaring from a speaker, including Chuck Roessner, 62, one of few men who attend the class.

``This keeps me going,'' he said between combinations.

According to Czaja, social activities are very important to the overall well being of an aging population.

``Involvement is what keeps one active and not socially isolated, which can be associated to depression, loneliness and poor health.''

In North Miami, another group decorate and embellish T-shirts, glass bottles and random thrift store goodies with bright paint brush strokes, leaf imprints and plenty of glitter.

``You glitter anything and it looks good,'' said Beverly Prady, 56, while transforming what used to be a plain terra cotta pot, into a colorful Spanish-inspired creation.

Taught by Ginette Rouzeau, an acclaimed Haitian artist who utilizes South Florida's landscape and indigenous plants to inspire her work, budding and aspiring artists are encouraged to use finds from their backyards and around their homes.

Cindy Shappy, 69, said beyond the practical purpose of the class, ``whatever we make we can actually use.'' It also helps to keep her feeling young.

``Too often our inner child is choked out by the time you reach my age,'' she said, while painting in the phrase ``The Lord is My Shepherd'' on a T-shirt in gold paint. ``Being able to create art, use paint and glitter . . . it lets that inner child back in,''

Cha-cha, pivots, step kicks, winding hips and even an occasional ``put your hands up, put your hands up'' are all part of classes conducted by step-line clubs in Miami Gardens.

The classes, which are held in the city's parks, blend the rhythms of hip-hop, traditional line dance and improvisation to promote a holistic healthy lifestyle.

Cerina Bass, 67, said dancing is what keeps her youthful and energetic.

A step line-dance choreographer and dancer in Miami Gardens, she doesn't let her ailments -- a strained ankle and high cholesterol -- get in her way.

``I like to do the slower pace stuff for the 70-plus crowd because I have a bad ankle, but the younger seniors, they like that fast hip-hop. I try to keep up with them,'' she said.

Testimonies abound on how the classes have impacted each dancer's life.

``Dancing has helped to keep my blood pressure controlled. I don't know if I was very active before, but we encourage each other here,'' Ramona Varner said.

Daniel Seymour, 68, said he's healthy and plans to keep it that way by continuing to dance. He also noted learning new dance combinations is an exercise for his mind.

``Old folks forget stuff sometimes. I figure if I can remember these dance moves one week later then I'm doing pretty all right,'' he said, laughing.

``Most people are amazed when they see us making these moves,'' said Linda Holloway. ``We're not just physically dancing, we're empowering ourselves to enhance our lifestyle.''

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