How your favourite tipple could help keep you supple: Enjoying the occasional alcoholic drink may improve fitness levels in middle and old age

• Study shows teetotallers have difficulty carrying out everyday movements
• Those who have a drink up to four times a week had least trouble moving
• Experts hail the research for celebrating diet of moderation not fasting

Enjoying the occasional glass of wine could help keep you physically fit in middle and old age, according to a study.

Surprisingly the findings appeared to show being teetotal had the reverse effect, with abstainers more likely to have difficulty carrying out everyday movements such as walking and getting dressed. Researchers from University College London looked at the drinking habits and physical ability of nearly 30,000 men and women aged between 45 and 69.

Those who enjoyed a tipple up to four times a week were found to be the most supple and had the least trouble walking, eating, dressing and reaching. The worst physical condition of all was seen among those who didn’t drink. 

Even when former alcoholics – who were more likely to be in poorer physical condition – were removed from the figures, teetotallers were 27 per cent more likely to experience problems than those who drank regularly. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2726401/How-favourite-tipple-help-supple-Enjoying-occasional-alcoholic-drink-improve-fitness-levels-middle-old-age.html