The 1st of October is UK Older People's Day.

The theme for 2011 is getting and staying active in later life.

The purpose of this theme is to encourage people to be active and raise awareness of the benefits that physical, social and mental activity brings.

Helping people to stay active as they get older provides many specific benefits, for example it:

• Helps maintain independence
• Is a good way of maintaining and increasing social networks
• Gets you out and about in the local community
• Is an opportunity to learn new skills
• Increases energy levels and zest for life.

Visit http://fulloflife.direct.gov.uk/older-peoples-day.html for details of events and activities in your local area.