A BIG LIFT FOR ELDERLY HEALTH

PROTEIN shakes and weightlifting are not only for gym fanatics – pensioners should be prescribed them too, according to some surprising new research.

A study in the British Journal Of General Practice found that muscle-strength training and protein supplements boost the health of frail, older adults.

The research is welcome. It is estimated that one million British older adults are malnourished, with many too sick or frail to get to a shop or supermarket. While protein and physical training are important for muscle strength, the study says dietary protein – such as chicken, fish and eggs – work as well as powders.

And strength training needn’t involve weights. A set of gentle exercises such as squats, push-ups on to a wall or standing on tiptoes can maintain muscle strength effectively. Practise these exercises throughout life and you’ll be less likely to run into problems in older age.