Yoga
Yoga, which originated in India more than 5,000 years ago, is a Hindu system of philosophy that encompasses the body, mind and spirit. Its aim is ultimate physical health and happiness, together with mental peace and tranquillity.
Types of yoga
Yoga is a Sanskrit word for 'union', describing the experience of oneness or union with your inner being (self).

The yoga paths can be broadly classified into:
Bhakti yoga - Path of Devotion
Karma yoga - Path of Selfless Action
Jnana yoga - Path of Transcendental Knowledge
Asthanga yoga - Path of Patanjali (eight-step path)

Dance
Square dancing is a form of American folk dance performed to traditional string band music and the prompting of a caller, and may be set up on regular occasions by social clubs. Tea dances are social occasions where people meet to have afternoon tea and also to ballroom dance. Evening celebrations (dinner dances and balls) include the opportunity to either ballroom dance or disco dance.
Other dance forms such as tap, jazz, flamenco, ballet, belly, disco or modern dancing bridge the gap between social dancing and competitive dancing. To get started, simply choose a style you enjoy or would like to try - and join an appropriate class.
Many people think they can't dance because they have poor coordination, but anyone can dance - if not always elegantly. The main purpose is to enjoy moving to music, so dancing is suitable for peoples of all ages, shapes and sizes. As with most activities, it's a matter of starting gently and building up to the right level of activity.

Clothing and equipment
Some dance forms have specific clothing requirements in order to participate in public. For example, if you want to be a morris dancer you'll need ribbons and bells! For most dance forms, though, comfortable clothing is all that's required.

Types of dance
There are many forms of dance, from ballroom to barn and from disco to morris. Among the most popular in terms of participation are the folk-type dances, including line and square dancing.
These are so popular because they are often made up of repetitive, easy-to-learn steps. In many societies, folk dances are an integral part of community life and are linked to specific occasions such as holidays, festivals and religious celebrations. However, while most once had ritual purposes, today they mostly provide recreation, self-expression and competition.

Benefits
Dancing is largely an aerobic activity that improves the condition of the heart and lungs, as well as tests your balance. To dance for any length of time also requires muscular endurance and motor fitness.
For 10st 7lb person, ballroom dancing uses about 3.5 calories per minute. So, 45 minutes would use around 157 calories - or about half a chocolate bar.

Activities
Dance. Belly dancing, line dancing, tea dances and creative dance are all popular and are good for suppleness and mobility.
Yoga. There are different types of yoga, some more strenuous than others. Hatha yoga is good for those who aren't too supple to start with.
T'ai chi and other martial arts. T'ai chi is peaceful and mentally relaxing, and also has many health and fitness benefits. It's suitable for all fitness levels. Other martial arts - such as tae kwon do, tukido, karate and aikido - are more demanding, but if you're in good health and have basic fitness, give them a go - they're not just for youngsters.
Bowling. Ten-pin, green, petanque, indoors or outdoors - bowling may look gentle but it's active. Petanque, the French game sometimes called boules, is increasingly popular, with leagues forming all over the country.
Gym sessions. Local authority gyms will give you help and advice. They're not too expensive and some may design a fitness programme for you to follow. Some may also have set times for older clients if you feel out of place with the 20-year-olds. Private health clubs are available too, although these will be more expensive.
Group sports, such as football and cricket, are great for making friends. If you want something more demanding than a kick-about, look for veterans' leagues in your area.
Fitness classes. Some fitness centres have wheelchair keep-fit classes and classes tailored to other specific needs.
Golf. It can be expensive to buy clubs and a private club membership isn't cheap, so try the council-run course first.