In order to be healthy you need to eat right and be active.

It gets a bit harder the older you get, however.

"The older we get, the more unstable you get," said Everett Castle, physician with the Sierra Vista Regional Health Center.

"Orthopedically, nerve, muscle and bone tissue experience age-related changes – specifically muscle and nerve cell conduction become slower with age."

The 2000 Census emphasizes the "old" in "The Old Wild West." According to the statistics, Tombstone's average age is 48.7 years old while two-thirds of the town is over 35 years of age.

By 2030, 71 million U.S. citizens will be 65 and older – more than double the current senior citizen population, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The American College of Sports Medicine suggests that regular exercise can not only lead to more benefits than just physical health, but also aid in mental health as well.

Although there isn't a whole lot of evidence to the theory, studies done throughout the world of medicine showed that cognitive function, the alleviation of depressive symptoms and behavior and improved self-efficacy come from staying active into old age.

"I would agree (with the above mentioned theory)," Castle said. "The more active they are, they're more able to get out and do things."

Castle also said that while out in the sun, our bodies undergo chemical reactions that help improve mood, and in theory, self-confidence too.

In Tombstone, the Cold Iron Gym & Health Club helps out the growing-old population.

"If someone who's older comes in and needs a special (fitness) plan, Sherri (Hartmann, gym owner) comes up with one for them," said Danni Eldridge, a gym employee.

The older crowd are recommended to have at least 30 minutes of physical activity per day, five days out of the week by the National Council on Aging.

Both endurance or aerobic exercise and strength training are suggested by the American College of Sports Medicine.

Endurance training helps with cardiovascular function reducing the risk of heart disease and diabetes, lengthening life expectancy. Aerobic exercise also helps an individual's conditioning, so that the individual can be more active for longer periods of time with increased ease.

Strength training offsets the natural process of muscle mass loss in the aging.

"Safety becomes important (to the aging)," said Castle, in reference to why it's difficult for some older folks to stay active.

"There isn't a walking path in Tombstone," he said, "and the CDC recommends 30 minutes of walking per day."

Everett recommended that Tombstonians and visitors to the town be wary of the wooden sidewalks that run up and down the strip because they are prime locations for accidental falls.