There is evidence from high quality studies to strongly support the positive association between increased levels of physical activity, exercise participation and improved health in older adult. Worldwide, around 3.2 million deaths per year are being attributed to inactivity. In industrialised countries where people are living longer lives, the levels of chronic health condition are increasing and the levels of physical activity are declining. Key factors in improving health are exercising at a moderate-to-vigorous level for at least 5 day per week and including both aerobic and strengthening exercises. Few older adult achieve the level of physical activity or exercise that accompanies health improvement. A challenge for health professionals is to increase physical activity and exercise participation in older adult. Some success in this has been reported when physical have given specific, detailed and localised information to their patients, but more high quality research is needed to continue to address this issue of non-participation in physical activity and exercise of a high enough level to ensure health benefits.