New research shows that children who drink milk regularly will be physically fitter in their elderly years.
The research, published in the Journal Age and Aging, found elderly people who consumed the highest amounts of milk and dairy foods in childhood were able to walk faster and were much less likely to suffer problems with balance.
Researchers at Bristol University studied 400 men and women aged from their mid-60s to late 80s. They had all taken part in a study which began back in the 1930s to analyze the affect of diet and lifestyle on long-term health.
As part of the study, the volunteers, who were then all young children, were tracked for their intake of milk and dairy goods.
To test if this had any impact on health in old age, the volunteers were tested for their walking speeds and their balance.
The results showed milk-lovers had five percent faster walking times than those who drank little or no milk. They were also 25 percent less likely to have potentially dangerous balance problems.
In a report on their findings the researchers said: ‘This is the first study to show positive associations of childhood milk intake with physical performance in old age.’
The findings support earlier research highlighting the health benefits of drinking milk as a youngster.
Source: Daily Mail