Sometimes an exercise class becomes much more than a workout. Take, for example, "The Mermaids" at the Laniakea YWCA on Richards Street. These women, who are passionate about their aqua aerobics classes, have also become a social and support network. They party together, go on outings together, act as an information network and help each other in times of need.

One of The Mermaids' biggest social events is when a member turns 90. No one will hazard a guess at the average age of the classes, but the youngest is 62 and the oldest is 96; there are more members who are over 80 than under.

"I like coming to this class because there are so many women older than me," said Alma Tanaka, 80. "I'm one of the younger ones."

Aqua instructor Stephanie Gailey said the group's social interaction is as important as their physical activity. "They don't want to get isolated in their homes," so they take the bus or get a friend, caretaker or family member to drive them to the YWCA for their aqua outing. "Sometimes it's hard to get their attention, as they just want to chat," Gailey said with a laugh.

"It's the high point in my day," said Robin Kenny, 71. "It's a great social group."

The Laniakea pool is heated to 86 degrees. Exercise in a heated pool is recommended by the Arthritis Foundation, which considers aqua exercise ideal for those suffering from joint pain and inflammation. In fact, Gailey is certified as a teacher by the National Arthritis Foundation.

"They're weightless in the water so it relieves their pain, is soothing to the joints and gives them resistance training," Gailey said.

Eloise Van Niel, 86, has been exercising in the Laniakea pool since the early 1980s when she worked at the State Library and swam laps in the mornings before work. After retiring in the 1990s she began taking aqua classes. "We all like each other. It's wonderful exercise, but I like to be able to talk while I exercise. It's more fun if you have some sociability. We exchange books. They're a great source of health and body care advice because collectively they've had a lot of problems and can share symptoms and solutions," she said.

If you hang around The Mermaids for any length of time, you'll learn that many of them have faced serious health issues in the past — but are still going strong. Total joint replacements, seizures, broken bones and of course arthritis are not uncommon. Many credit the aqua classes with helping them through the rehabilitation process.

Gailey has a great example to follow, right in her immediate family. Her grandmother, Yoshiko Tanaka, who lives in Utah, is the oldest known survivor of breast cancer in the world, according to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

With Gailey's classes, and a little help from their friends, The Mermaids may start celebrating 100th birthdays soon.