Tennis Legend Martina Navratilova Set to Join Dancing with the Stars Cast

***AARP's Fitness Ambassador Proves You Can Be a Competitive Athlete at Any Age***

WASHINGTON, Feb. 28, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AARP today announced that its Fitness Ambassador, tennis legend Martina Navratilova, has joined the cast of ABC's Dancing with the Stars. At age 55, Navratilova is once again proving that age should not place boundaries on people's goals or what they can accomplish.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20070209/NYF043LOGO)

"Whether you're 55 or 85, I hope to demonstrate that it's never too late to learn something new or step outside of your comfort zone," said Navratilova. "Going from the tennis court to the dance floor is going to be tough but I want to show my generation that staying active and challenging yourself can provide opportunities to learn new things and have fun."

Navratilova has served as AARP's Fitness Ambassador since 2008, engaging with the 50+ audience and AARP members through various activities and initiatives, and regular contributions to AARP's Website (www.aarp.org). The best female tennis player of the modern era, and arguably the greatest in the history of the sport, she has amassed an unmatched number of professional records over the course of a career that spanned an amazing four decades. In September, 2006, six weeks shy of her 50th birthday, she won the mixed doubles title at the US Open, her 59th Grand Slam title. Now she'll look to add the infamous Mirror Ball trophy to her list of championship titles.

"It's great to see someone who has shown the world the importance of staying fit as you age represent the 50+ crowd on this national stage," said Emilio Pardo, Chief Brand Officer, AARP.  "The 50+ age group is one of the most active and health-conscious segments of our population and we know Martina's participation on the show will undoubtedly help to inspire people of all ages."

"I've been working with AARP for the past four years and I really enjoy getting to connect with people about the importance of staying healthy as you age," added Navratilova. "People are starting to realize that age really is just a number and doesn't define who you are or what you can do. By competing on Dancing with the Stars, I hope to prove just that."

In recent years, studies have indicated that people who are physically fit—regardless of age—live longer and feel better. "We're redefining what 50+ looks like, and a big part of it has to do with staying healthy and leading active lives," added Navratilova.

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization with a membership that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for 50+ Americans and the world's largest-circulation magazine with over 35.1 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP's millions of members and Americans 50+; AARP VIVA, our bilingual multimedia platform for Hispanic members; and our website, AARP.org. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

SOURCE AARP