There is nothing new about trying to keep older people active, especially in care homes.

Music, "chairobics", quizzes and singalongs are all staples, but one of the most regular complaints from residents and relatives of those in residential care for the elderly is about days spent without stimulation.

So a new business offering a package of regularly group-based exercises, claiming evidence they can improve fitness, mental health, socialisation and even cut the risk of falls, has obvious attractions.

Oomph!, a London-based not-for-profit firm, has developed such a package and it is now being rolled out in every home run by the Church of Scotland's social care charity Crossreach.

"It's a social enterprise, not for profit, so very aligned with us and where we are at," explains Alan Logan, Crossreach director of services for older people.

"What tends to happen is people will put music on in the background and there might be some gentle exercise. It probably has no real impact at all. It may even be counterproductive."

According to the firm behind Oomph!, the games and activities involved in the system literally give older adults more oomph and according to their slogan "put the social back into social care". It says: "They leave more alert, more agile, more confident and more engaged."

Mr Logan is convinced, and since the summer every Crossreach activities worker has been trained in the approach. He has been impressed by the company's evidence, but adds: "You can go on evidence, or you can go on smiles. The response from people has been, very, very positive."

Can it really reduce the number of falls? Mr Logan is waiting to see. Crossreach continues to implement falls-prevention guidance from NHS Education for Scotland and the Care Inspectorate. But he says games that involve passing objects, strengthening grip, attention and coordination could well help.

Meanwhile, changes in mood and self-confidence make a big difference to people's health. He adds: "People in care homes may be living in a group situation yet still feel isolated and alone."

The change has involved a significant investment and with the high level of staff turnover in the care sector that might put some providers of care off. Logan disagrees: "We don't worry about it at all. If you care about quality you invest in staff."

Any staff member might move on, he says. But by just this kind of investment in them, Crossreach hopes to make them more likely to stay.