Building strength and muscle can be part of healthy aging

Looking at related articles from the NYT and LA Times I started with an article from Gretchen Reynolds March 20, 2019 “Why lifting Weights Can be So Potent for Aging Well”.

One thing I like about the Times is the practice of linking you to their sources which will be other articles or medical research and studies. This part of the reading is less sensational and more informational. Here you can see the strengths and weaknesses of the studies. What seems to be verified and what are the questions and concerns to be looked into more. 

Some highlights

• only 17% of seniors actually do resistant training.
• The study was done of 81 healthy seniors between the ages of 65-75
• for three months they all did and twice a week, the next 3 months still supervised once or twice a week they continued, workout at a gym paid for by the study - all improved their strength.
• Then supervision stopped and they were on their own (Would they continue?) It was predicted 30% would continue. 46% of the participants continues working out. (This stat was given in the study itself, Reynolds estimated around 50% in her article) Some of them just once a week. All of them continued to improve strength. 
• One reason was presented as a factor in them continuing, they felt confident at the gym. 

This is a small study and it deals with healthy aging. The study confirms earlier studies that we can build muscle in our old age. We can improve our strength. This translates into confidence which will improve our chances to continue.

Expect a slower rate of growth of muscle mass due to age. Grab onto we can still gain strength. Developing a fitness strategy in retirement ages to our interest in life, promotes a healthy brain and can lead to motivation to live better.

Gym workouts, weights, bands, TRX, cans and containers from the pantry, body workouts can lead to stronger bodies. 

A stronger body can continue to live more independently and help gives us more days worth living. 

Yes, I know we can improve our spiritual, mental, social lives as well, but I believe those goals are enhanced by good fitness routines we can develop. Tomorrow I will share some things that can help us if we are not so healthy. Keep walking.