Physical activity may help people of all ages, but may be especially helpful to older adults. It improves mood and increases social interaction; it may help prevent, delay or improve conditions such as diabetes and heart disease; and it helps strengthen muscles and bones, which have a tendency to weaken as the body ages.

Exercise does not have to be a chore. In fact, it may only take a couple of days of walking each week, around 30 minutes each day, to show physical improvement. For your safety, always remember to discuss changes in diet and exercise with a health care provider.

The following lesson, Stepping Out: Be Healthy, Walk Safely, from The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration may help you get started on a path to better health through physical activity: www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/olddrive/SteppingOut/index.html.