Fitness, Sport and Lifestyle

Your level of fitness is strongly linked to how active you are. Gardening, taking the stairs insted of the lift, swimming, walking,cycling keep fit classes and sports like golf or tennis will help. Staying physically active is the best defence against many diseases associated with getting older.

Walking

Walking is an easy way of keeping fit. Hundreds of walking sches have started up around the UK in response to thr "Walking the way to health" initiative, which aims to get the nationwalking. Many organise short walks and produce information on interesting places to walk. More details from www.whi.org.uk

The more experienced may wish to tackle a national trail. More details from www.nationaltrail.co.uk

or Wainwright's famous Coast To Coast Walk. More details from www.wainwright.org.uk

If you looking for an experienced guide for the coast to coast walk please contact Ian Winterbourn at ian.mfs@btinternet.com

For information and advice on walking visit the website:www.british-walks.com

Many local authorities are now promoting guided walks in their area; check with your local authority, local library or local notice boards.

Cycling

The health benefits of cycling are clear - regular cyclists have a heart of someone 10 years younger that their age. More details from www.bikeforall.net

Details on the National Cycle Network are available at www.sustrans.org.uk

Swimming

Regular swimming also offers significant health benefits. The Government is intoducing a free swimming scheme for over 60's from 1st April 2009. Most local authorities are taking part and some have already introduced such a scheme. Check with your local authority. A local authority website is in the format:- www.council.gov.uk. If you want to find your local council's website use the following link. www.direct.gov.uk/en/D11/Directories/Localcouncils/index.htm

Update Free swimming for under-16s and over-60s in England will be axed from the end of July as part of government cuts.

The scheme, introduced in April 2009, was due to run until next March but ministers say it was not good value.