NEW research has found that swimming is a great way for older Brits to stay fit, active and healthy.
Older Brits should take the plunge
and go swimming as it improves their balance and could prevent falls,according to new research.
Falls are a hazard for the elderly -
particularly men - as they get older and for many the risk is too great
for them to be able to live alone.
But a regular dip could be the
most effective way of reducing the risk, making older folk healthier and
helping to guarantee their independence.
Swimming improves
balance, said Australian researchers studying the link between common
sporting activities and the incidence of falls.
They looked at
1,600 men with an average age of 76 between 2005 and 2011 - older men
are more prone to injuries from falls than women.All sport was good for balance - golfers were 35 per cent less likely to suffer a fall than those who did no sport, for instance.
But swimmers had a massive 53 per cent lower fall rate.