ABS Audio Newsletter: Exercise for Older Adults
Issue 58: Why should older folks resistance train?
Welcome to the 58th issue of the ABS Audio Newsletter! Resistance training, also known as strength training, offers numerous benefits for older individuals, helping them maintain and improve their quality of life. Here are some of the key advantages:
1. Increased Muscle Mass and Strength: As people age, they naturally lose muscle mass and strength, a process known as sarcopenia. Resistance training can counteract this decline, helping to preserve or even increase muscle mass and strength.
2. Improved Bone Density: Resistance training can help prevent bone loss or osteoporosis, which is common in older adults. The stress placed on bones during these exercises stimulates bone formation and increases bone density.
3. Enhanced Joint Function: Regular resistance training can improve joint health and flexibility, reducing the risk of stiffness and pain associated with conditions like arthritis.
4. Better Balance and Coordination: Strength training improves balance and coordination, reducing the risk of falls, which are a major health concern for older adults.
5. Increased Metabolic Rate: Building muscle through resistance training helps increase the metabolic rate. This means the body burns more calories even at rest, which can help manage weight and reduce fat mass.
6. Improved Mental Health: Exercise, including resistance training, has been shown to improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. It can also enhance cognitive function.
7. Greater Independence: By increasing strength and stamina, resistance training can help older adults maintain their independence by making daily tasks easier and less fatiguing.
These benefits underscore the importance of incorporating resistance training into the regular fitness routines of older individuals to support their overall health and well-being.
Let’s chat a bit more in depth on several of the above considerations.
The outline of our conversation:
1. General intro
2. Resistance training for older folks
3. Benefits
4. Things to be aware of
5. My takeaways and motivational sendoff!
I greatly appreciate your viewership; catch you all in the comments. Stay tuned for the 59th issue next week!