Muscle Health For Older Americans - Use it or Lose it

Between ages 50 – 70 the average person loses 30% of their muscle, adversely altering metabolism, coordination, and mobility. A new study shows that this can be prevented with resistance training¹ performed 3-4 times per week.

It is time we get off our rear ends and not go into agreement with the general aging trend of withering away. Many older people think of themselves, and are often thought of by their physicians, as some sort of fragile humpty-dumpty about ready to fall off a wall.

I have already pointed out that older people who get themselves fit and then push their aerobic performance to a higher level of exertion get superior cardiovascular results. Of course, any exercise confers some benefits.

This new study indicates that older individuals who train their muscles to be fit and then push harder during their workouts have the best benefits in terms of maintaining their muscles. This does not mean to do too much too soon. It does mean to get yourself fit and then push it a bit.

Just using your body, both in terms of aerobics and strength exercise or activities is important and confers many benefits. However, those who can healthfully do more intense workouts are likely to have the greatest long-term health benefits.