A new report has found that exercise is an effective option for boosting bone strength and preventing falls among seniors.

The recommendation was made by Cochrane researchers based on a systematic review of the available evidence from 111 trials that included 55,303 older people.

The review found that exercise in that group improves strength, flexibility, balance and endurance.

In particular, exercise regimes such as supervised group workout, tai chi or individually prescribed exercise programs at home have been shown to yield benefits, according to lead researcher Lesley Gillespie from Dunedin School of Medicine at the University of Otago in New Zealand.

The scientists furthermore found evidence that falls were reduced by some other interventions, including gradual withdrawal from certain types of sleep medications, anxiety reduction and depression treatment, where applicable, as well as bringing forward cataract surgery on the first affected eye.

Health practitioners have also suggested using nutritional supplements containing vitamin D, in particular in those who live in the northern regions, as well as an alkaline diet as ways to promote bone health into old age.