Swimming is often promoted as a good way for older people to exercise, since it's easy on the joints and it's not likely to cause overheating.

OLDER people who would like to learn to swim or improve their confidence in water can sign up to a new course.

Swimming provides a good cardio and muscular workout and is an excellent choice, especially for older adults, according to a Northern Virginia geriatrician.

Researchers found that among 43 older men and women, those who started swimming a few times a week lowered their systolic blood pressure -- the "top" number in a blood pressure reading.