It is well documented that regular physical activity is known to decrease disease prevention and improve an individual's health. Engaging in regular physical activity is important in older age; as people age, their bones weaken depending on the amount of physical activity they engage in, such as the elderly, most elderly people move into residential homes because they cannot take care of themselves to the extent necessary , from there carers and fitness instructors are brought here to help the people living in the residence. This essay will discuss the importance of physical activity and the benefits it brings to the mental health of people, such as the elderly. (The effects of exercise in older adults, October 18, 2008) The benefits of exercise are shown in many cases, for example, activities involving movement that strengthen muscles and bones; walking in place improves the functioning of the lungs and heart, it also circulates blood in the body and loosens the muscles. Physical activity is good for the minds of the elderly, it keeps them focused, for example in some residential homes fitness instructors or assistants play with the elderly like passing the ball around the room or passing the beanbags because they are much softer. Other activities involve getting up and walking around the room for about thirty to sixty seconds. This benefits seniors simply because it helps increase bone density using muscles and also helps maintain brain function and a healthy mind. Research has shown that physical activity can be beneficial to an older person's mental health; for example, a study of women aged seventy and over......middle of paper......risk of falls and bone fractures this is very beneficial for the elderly simply because their bones become get weaker as they get older and some tasks become more difficult. Exercise benefits seniors in many ways, as mentioned above, it helps maintain a healthy mind and increase muscle strength. References (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.alz.co.uk/research/files/WorldAlzheimerReport.pdf(2007, September). Retrieved November 2013, from Fit For Life: http://fitforlife.ie/index.php/services/nursing-home-daycare-services/fit-for-life-groupexercise-therapy-session/ (1999). Older adults. Historical document. Retrieved November 2013 from http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/sgr/olderad.htm(2009). The Alzeimers Report. London. Retrieved November 2013 from http://www.alz.co.uk/research/files/WorldAlzheimerReport.pdf