Why older women find it harder to keep fit than men

Research has shown that women find it harder than men to keep in shape as they grow older.

Scientists have found that female bodies struggle to replace muscle that is naturally lost through the aging process, this raises the risk of falls and fractures.

Older men, however, have virtually no problems in converting the protein found in food into new muscle.

The sharp fall in oestrogen levels after menopause seems to be the cause, making it harder for women to maintain muscle mass. However, levels of oestrogen in men remain high well into old age.

It is also known that women tend to more fat than men in general - meaning their body has less stability to fall back on as they get older.

Nottingham University researcher Professor Michael Rennie says it is vital for women to try to keep in shape as they age.

He explained: “Older women have less muscle than men so their balance is not as good and they are more at risk of falling.

“If an elderly woman falls over she has a 50 per cent risk of dying within two years, which underlines the need for more research into this area. Men suffer far fewer bad falls.”

Eating protein-rich foods such as eggs, fish, chicken and lean red meat and regular “resistance exercise” , such as weightlifting will all help build and retain muscle within the body.