Fed:Good mental health is keeping eldery stable: study

An Australian National University study of 800 adults with an average age of 78 showed that good mental health helped to prevent falls.

Falls are the leading cause of unintentional injury and hospitalisation in people aged 65 and older.

The participants were assessed three times during a period of eight years on measures of well-being including depression and morale.

The study showed lower scores on the well-being measures were associated with increased risk of falling.

Professor Kaarin Anstey, from the university's Centre for Mental Health Research, says promoting good mental health is essential for reducing the number and danger of falls for elderly people.

"The findings of this study clearly show that mental health is strongly linked to physical function in later life," she said.

"Promoting good mental health as we age has benefits for physical function and mobility.

"Good mental health is an integral part of healthy ageing."