![A couple golfing](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20120921023345im_/http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/magazine/issues/winter09/images/golfers.jpg)
Older people may become sick or disabled more often from not exercising, so staying active and exercising regularly can:
- Improve mood and relieve depression
- Help prevent or delay many diseases and disabilities, including some types of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes
- Improve health in the frail or those with diseases that accompany aging
- Increase strength—carry groceries, climb stairs
- Improve balance—prevent falls
- Restore flexibility—speed recovery from injury
- Build endurance—walk farther, dance longer
- Improve quality of life
Photo: PhotoDisc