Another two reasons why exercise can help your mind and body

Exercise has been linked to not only staving off cognitive decline, but also helping you stay upright.

In a study of mice on a running wheel, University of Queensland researchers found ageing changes all brain cells, but affects the microglia, which are immune cells of the central nervous system that support brain function, the most.

But, microglial cells were more like younger ones after exercise.

Their research also found more T cells, a type of white blood cell, in the aged brain, but were unsure why this happened. However, the T cell count dropped in the hippocampus, a part of the brain involved with memory and learning - with the exercise.

One of the study leads, Associate Professor Jana Vukovic said the research was a step towards understanding why humans felt mentally better and were able to think more clearly with regular exercise.

"Our findings in mice provide a platform for research into the human brain and ageing," she said.

"Further research could eventually develop therapeutic ways to target specific cell types to combat ageing of the brain.

"These findings support the importance of exercise, particularly for the elderly."

The research was published in Aging Cell.

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According to Injury Matters' general manager - injury prevention Rachel Meade, one in three people aged over 65 have a fall each year.

"Falls can cause serious injury and hospitalisation, but they are preventable. You can reduce your falls risk by incorporating strength and balance activities in your daily life," she said.

Rachel encouraged people to find activities they liked to build balance and strengthen their legs regularly.

"Not only will you get the physical benefits, but you can enjoy time spent with new or old friends," she said.

Rachel said group exercise classes were a great option to get out, get moving and meet people. Sports like lawn bowls, golf, swimming, ballroom dancing and tennis were ways to build balance and strength to prevent a fall - while having fun.