It may have been a while since you saw one of those (if you ever did)! However, according to research carried out by scientists from University College Dublin if more elderly people did muscle strength training and increased their intake of protein they would be less frail, less likely to fall and suffer catastrophic injuries if they did fall.

Medical advances and healthier lifestyles are helping people to live longer but often not stronger. On the basis of the study above researchers are advising GPs to “prescribe” their patients 20-25 minutes of activity 4 days per week at home to include 15 exercises for arm and leg strengthening and to improve balance and co-ordination.

At northlondonosteopaths Alan Nevies and his colleagues would endorse this recommendation and would be happy to create a tailored exercise list for each individual patient, taking into account their medical history and any existing conditions.