Scientists at Manchester University are inviting frail, elderly men in nursing homes across the area to try out a new hormone supplement, previously associated with athletes and bodybuilders, which could boost their strength, mobility and energy levels - and even reawaken their sexual desires.

It is the first time that doctors have experimented with testosterone supplements on the over-65s, but they hope that the hormone could help OAPs rediscover their youth – just like the elderly in the 80’s cult film “Cocoon”, when they discovered the benefits of bathing with alien eggs concealed in a swimming pool.

Manchester Royal Infirmary endocrinologist Professor Fred Wu says that the 260 volunteers on the trial may not experience quite the same youthful vigour as the characters in the film, but he claims that the testosterone treatment could certainly give them a "youthful boost".

If the gel treatment is successful, it could be handed out free on the NHS to help the elderly build up their strength and improve their quality of life. If so, the treatment could save the NHS millions of pounds a year, for a cost of just £30 per month per person.

It seems that weakness, frailty and brittleness of bones in elderly men is down to a fall in testosterone levels, reversed by treatment with the gel.

Weakness

Professor Wu said: "Levels of the male hormone testosterone fall by about one per cent a year in men over 40, leading to decreases in muscle size and strength, increased body fat and thinner bones. The changes are also associated with decreased sexual interest, fatigue, mobility problems, depression, increased risk of falling and a general sense of weakness.

"Tests on younger and healthy older men suggest that testosterone replacement could help reverse these symptoms in the frail and elderly. It could certainly reawaken them, but we would have to warn patients that it could stimulate their sexual interest again. I don't know if it will stimulate patients to the same extent as in that film - but it will certainly give them a youthful boost."

The treatment is simple: just rub the gel into the back and shoulders once a day. It is the first time that the hormone treatment has ever been used on the elderly and it is only available on the NHS for young men suffering from a natural testosterone deficiency.

Researchers are looking for local male volunteers for the 12-month clinical trial. They need to be over 65, easily tired, slow walkers and have recently lost weight and feel weak.

Volunteers will have their muscle strength, mobility, bone, fat levels and quality of life assessed and measured by the research team over the 12 months. Free transport can be arranged.