Also, physical activity at all ages strengthens muscles and improves the balance, which in turn reduces the chances of falling and injuries;  It therefore increases the functioning status among older adults.

(Strenuous exercise like jogging, aerobics or gymnastics are only preferred for younger people and should be slowly initiated, only under professional supervision).

Practical tips for lifestyle changes to help burn calories/exercise :

• Take on, more responsibilities at home, like buying the groceries, green groceries, bread, running errands, going to the post-office, etc.
• Walk up a couple of flight of stairs rather than taking the lift. Try and avoid taking the lift unto 3 floors.
• Do household work, like washing of clothes, sweeping, mopping, gardening and dusting.
• Work on your garden, or nurture pots in your balcony.
• Dance, if you enjoy it. Dance is not only a good exercise but also releases stress (singing, playing musical instruments are also wonderful stress relievers). If you wanted to learn dancing then again, go ahead and do it.
• Learn and practice Yoga.
• Walk around the house during television commercials and avoid using the remote.
• Avoid using the cordless phone.
• If you use the bus then get off the bus two-three stops earlier than your own stop and walk home.
• Park at the farthest end of the parking lot, shopping centers, cinema halls etc.
• Take exercise breaks rather than coffee breaks.
• Be prepared to miss your television show, when you need to choose between activity and television due to time constraints.
•  Play outdoor games and indulge in sports in your colony/locality.

Lack of physical activity has been associated with coronary disease, diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance, blood pressure, dyslipidemia, certain types of cancer, osteoporosis, obesity, overweight and stroke.

Together with physical activity a high quality diet that does not provide excess calories should enhance the health of most individuals and prevent disease.