Did you know that seven out of 10 men and eight out of 10 women over the age of 50 don't take enough exercise to stay fit and healthy?

Yet exercise doesn't have to be strenuous to be beneficial says the Hertfordshire Accident Prevention Group (HAPG) which recommends moderate physical activity as the best protection against accidents like falls in older people.

The key message of HAPG's campaign is that building up to just half an hour of regular moderate activity a day can really benefit an older person's health and keep them mobile and independent in years to come. Regular physical activity also helps prevent many conditions which affect people in middle and old age such as coronary heart disease, stroke and osteoporosis. It's also a good way to socialise, improve one's self esteem and have fun.

Research by the Health Education Authority shows that four out of 10 men and women aged 50-74 spend most of the day sitting down, with women watching an average of 21 hours and men an average 19 hours of television a week. Once they had switched off the TV a quarter of older women did not have enough strength in their legs to get out of a chair without using their arms - and the penalties of being inactive become more serious the older people get.

HAPG Chair .........................................said: "These figures are worrying and we would like to encourage men and women over 50 to take part in some sort of daily activity. This can include anything which makes you feel warm and breathe more heavily than usual - such as a brisk walk to the shops, digging the garden, cycling or dancing."

He stressed that older people should be cautious about suddenly embarking on an exercise programme. "Too much exercise at too strenuous a pace can cause accidents in itself. Older people should take a more gradual pace to changing their lifestyle, asking advice of their GP or exercising with a professional group who can provide information and support. Even gentle hand movements can strengthen grip and reduce the risk of hot plates or cups being dropped."

If you would like more information on exercise for older people contact........................................................

And remember, it's never too early or too late to start being physically active, but it's always too early to stop.

Note for Editors: Hertfordshire Accident Prevention Group includes representatives of Hertfordshire County Council, all District and Borough Councils, Hertfordshire Health Authorities, NHS Trusts and the University of Hertfordshire.