Health officials have said that only 24 percent of New York's older adults describe their health as very good or excellent, compared to 37 percent nationwide.

About 58 percent of seniors have high blood pressure, both in New York and nationally, and diabetes affects 23 percent of older New Yorkers compared to the national rate of 20 percent of older adults, a New York City report has found.

Older New Yorkers get screened for colon cancer and breast cancer at similar rates as seniors nationwide i.e. 69 percent and 78 percent, respectively, but the new report suggests they are less likely to be active.

30 percent of New York seniors say they're inactive whereas twenty-three percent of the nation's older adults report no physical activity.

Seniors are advised by the Federal health guidelines to get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise, or 75 minutes of intensive exercise, every week to maintain health and prevent chronic illness. Yet 25 percent of the city's older men and 33 percent of older women, report no physical activity at all.

Dr.Thomas Farley, city health commissioner, says in a statement, "Besides helping to control weight and prevent diabetes and heart disease, moderate exercise can help older adults improve balance, prevent falls and slow the rate of cognitive decline."  (With Inputs from Agencies)