Elderly women who want to reduce their risk of falling should don their ladies fitness wear and take part in Tai Chi lessons.

This is suggested in an updated version of the American Geriatrics Society and the British Geriatric Society's guidelines on preventing falls in older people.

The societies now recommend that all interventions for preventing falls should include some form of exercise.

"Falls are one of the most common health problems experienced by older adults and are a common cause of losing functional independence," said Dr Mary Tinetti of Yale University School of Medicine, USA, and one of the chairs of the panel that compiled the new guidelines.

As well as exercising to improve balance, the new guidelines focus on reducing medication, with particular attention paid to drugs that affect the brain such as sleeping tablets and antidepressants.

Last month, guidance from the US Preventive Services Task Force claimed that elderly women who want to reduce their risk of falling should consume more Vitamin D and exercise regularly.

Posted by Tina Wilson ADNFCR-2569-ID-800342874-ADNFCR

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