Older women who exercise a few times a week, perhaps in ladies fitness wear, can experience health benefits and an improved quality of life, Age UK has suggested.

Michelle Mitchell, director of the charity, said that socialising can also help older people to feel less isolated and lonely.

"Disability, illness, problems with finances and access to transport can also lead to older people being socially excluded and feeling cut off from their family, friends and local community," she added.

Her comments follow the publication of a study in the Annals of Family Medicine journal suggesting that social contact is as beneficial as exercise in helping to lift the mood of depressed older people.

The research involved 193 people aged 75 and older and was conducted in Auckland, New Zealand.

Over in America, a set of guidelines has been developed, partly by the American College of Sports Medicine, for physicians who treat patients who are over the age of 50 but still enjoy taking part in physical activity.

Posted by Tina Wilson ADNFCR-2569-ID-19781073-ADNFCR

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