Want to stay fit in old age? Start drinking lots of milk

London: Children who regularly drink milk are physically fitter in old age, according to a new study which suggests that benefits of milk consumption early in life last through to later years.      Researchers from Bristol University found that elderly people who consumed the highest amounts of milk and dairy foods in childhood were able to walk faster and were much less likely to suffer problems with balance.      "This is the first study to show positive associations of childhood milk intake with physical performance in old age," researchers said. The findings could be important because poor balance raises the risk of fractures in old age, the Daily Mail reported.      Consumption of milk, cheese and other dairy produce has long been thought to help build strong bones by providing calcium in childhood. Researchers wanted to see if the benefits of milk consumption early in life lasted through to later years. The study published in journal Age and Ageing found milk-lovers had 5% faster walking times than those who drank little or no milk. PTI