A new study published this week reveals a link between exercise and bone density. 227 women aged 65 and older followed an exercise programme for 18months and were found to have denser bones and a reduced risk of falls. 115 of these women had higher bone mineral density in the spine and hip and a 66 per cent reduced rate of falls*.

Gentle weight-bearing exercises will help you maintain bone health by increasing bone density. However, it is important  to talk to your doctor befoer starting a new exercise. He or she will be able to tell you what exercises are safe and appropriate to do at home and what exercises you should avoid. Weight-bearing and resistance activities are typically recommended as they help build muscle strength and bone density.

Weight-bearing exercises include:
• Walking
• Jogging
• Stair-climbing
• Dancing
• Bowling

* Study was carried out by Dr Wolfgang Kemmler and colleagues at Freidrich-Alexander University of Erlangen- Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany.