People are less active nowadays, partly because technology has made our lives easier. There is public transport for us to take. There are washing machines to wash our clothes. We enjoy ourselves in front of a screen. Fewer people are doing manual work, and most of us have jobs that involve little physical effort. As a result, we move around less, burn off less energy, and have more health problems. 

So, what should we do to handle this modern problem? Exercise is a great cure we have always had, but sadly we have ignored it for too long. 

Evidence shows that whatever your age, being physically active can help you lead a healthier and happier life. People who exercise often have fewer chances to develop many long-term illnesses such as heart disease and cancer. What is more, physical activity can also boost self-respect, mood, sleep quality and energy, as well as reduce your risk of suffering from stress and depression. "If exercise were a pill, it would be one of the best medicines ever invented," says a health expert.