A major study involving researchers from the University of Birmingham has been launched in a bid to help older people stay fitter and live independently for longer.

Project REACT (REtirement in ACTion) will target people aged over 65 who are starting to find everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs and getting up from a chair difficult.

Volunteers will spend a year taking part in a specially devised physical activity and social programme and REACT will then test whether a decline in mobility and physical function can be slowed, stopped or even reversed.

The project is currently recruiting almost 800 people over the age of 65 to take part in the new programme, which will have research centres in Birmingham, Bath, Bristol, and Devon.

Funded by a £1.64 million grant from the National Institute of Health Research, REACT is based on LIFE, a US programme which successfully proved that physical activity prevents loss of mobility in older adults.

Recent research shows the most active older people need fewer prescriptions and are less likely to be admitted to hospital in an emergency.

And a fit and active older person has a 36 per cent lower risk of developing disabilities and a 38 per cent lower risk of hip fracture.

There is also strong evidence that greater physical activity can help protect against cardiovascular disease, diabetes and some cancers as well as reducing the risk of depression, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

However, people over 65 years are the least active in society.

The percentage of people aged 65 and over is also currently the highest in UK history, accounting for over ten million.

Current projections suggest a rise by 5.5 million over the next 20 years and for numbers to have nearly doubled by 2050.

Participants in the study will be invited to undergo a state-of-the-art MRI scan, allowing REACT to assess the direct effect of exercise on the brain.

The study is a collaboration between the universities of Birmingham, Bath, Exeter, West of England and Oxford.

Dr Afroditi Stathi, of the University of Birmingham, said: "This is a unique opportunity for us to test a programme which could lead to substantial gains for both individuals and wider society.

"We are building on a programme that has already been successful in the US so we are optimistic that we can deliver real benefits to the people who take part.

"What is also exciting is that we are working across England, across inner cities, suburban and rural settings to get a real understanding of whether this programme can deliver benefits for older people from all walks of life.

"We have built excellent relationships with our partners who support us in delivering REACT in community settings.

"Our long-term goal is for REACT to continue to be delivered by our partners after the end of the research phase, not only for the REACT participants but for all older people who face mobility difficulties."

To find out more and volunteer to take part, visit the University of Bath website.