Being physically fit and sticking to a regular exercise program may help individuals reduce their risk of suffering from a fall, according to the findings of a new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.

Researchers used data from participants in the Aerobics Center Longitudinal Study from 1970 to 1989 who responded to questions about falls during a follow-up survey in 1990. The study consisted of 10,615 participants between the ages of 20 and 87.

They found that fitness levels affected how often men fell while it did not for women. The study found men with low fitness levels were 2.2 times more apt to fall while walking than were highly fit men.

Researchers concluded that individuals need about two hours of regular exercise a week to lower the risk of falling. Those who exercised less – or not at all – did not have the same protection.

In addition, they said young people fall down as often as seniors do.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than a third of adults over the age of 65 fall each year, with 30 percent suffering moderate to severe injuries, including hip fractures and traumatic brain injuries.