Mention the word exercise to a lot of people over fifty and you'll see their eyes glaze over. The mere idea of doing anything that involves physical exertion, sweating and (lord, help us) squeezing into something lycra is clearly both painful and anathema to them. 

But the inescapable fact is that from the age of 50 to 100, exercise is almost more important in our lives than it was when we were thirty-somethings.

From 50 onwards exercise has a wholly specific role in protecting the body against major age-related illnesses and enabling us to maintain an independent lifestyle for as long as possible.

On this simple-to-follow programme, Angela, with the help of qualified instructress Sheena Land, demonstrates a number of easy exercises to help keep you bouncing with health and beauty.

The dainty duo work on five key exercise areas - balance, power, strength, flexibility and endurance - to maintain a healthy life after 50. 

"Whatever you do doesn't have to be violent or energetic, and you don't need to become a fitness freak," says Angela. "You just need to do something that will make you a little breathless and a bit warmer than usual. So do trye these exercises - they could make all the difference to your life."

Warning: before starting any exercise, talk to your doctor. There are real risks for people who are totally out of condition or overweight who suddenly decide to start an exercise programme. Start slowly, build up gradually and, ideally, work under the supervision of someone who knows what they're doing.