Physical activity and exercise can help you stay healthy, energetic and independent as you get older.

Many adults aged 65 and overspend, on average, 10 hours or more each day sitting or lying down, making them the most sedentary age group.

They’re paying a high price for their inactivity, with higher rates of falls, obesity, heart disease and early death compared with the general population.

As you get older, it becomes even more important to remain active if you want to stay healthy and maintain your independence.

If you don’t stay active, all the things you’ve always enjoyed doing and taken for granted may start to become that little bit harder.

You may struggle to pursue simple pleasures, such as playing with the grandchildren, walking to the shops, leisure activities and meeting up with friends.

You might start to get aches and pains that you never had before, and have less energy to go out. You may also be more vulnerable to falling.
This can all lead to being less able to look after yourself and do the things you enjoy.

Published by NHS