COFFEE could keep people strong in old age and help prevent falls, a study has suggested.
Experts found it was linked to a reduced risk of frailty — muscle weakness and tiredness.
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The condition increases the risks of tumbles and makes recovery from illness or injury harder.
The study of 1,161 people over 55 found those who drank two to three mugs a day had a 64 per cent lower risk of frailty than people who drank two cups or fewer.
Prof Margreet Olthof, of Vrije University in Amsterdam, said the reasons were unclear but antioxidants in coffee could be the key.
She said: “Drinking coffee is a key part of many people’s daily routine and people are constantly looking for ways to maintain their health as they age.
“Our findings highlight the possible beneficial association between daily coffee consumption and reduced risk of frailty in later life.
“Coffee consumption may therefore enhance healthy aging.”
The research was funded by the Institute for Scientific Information on Coffee and published in the European Journal of Nutrition.
Previous research on mice has suggested coffee can slow down muscle loss that occurs with age.
It may also contain chemicals that help to clear away old cells and feed the muscles, keeping them strong and healthy.
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