Weight Training Keeps You Young

By Kathryn Trim

When scientists at Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts, put a group of 90-something men and women on a light weight-training program, all the subjects more than doubled their strength by the end of the program. In eight weeks, four of the 10 subjects gained sufficient strength to trade their walkers for canes.

Weight-bearing activities slow down bone loss while building bone mass. This means people develop stronger bones that better resist fractures. Improved posture, balance, and coordination, which reduce the likelihood of falls and fractures, also are gained through weight training.

The physical signs of aging appear largely due to inactivity. Active people are much younger biologically. Inactivity also affects other functions, such as digestion and mental acuity. Exercise improves overall quality of life for many older adults. In a nutshell, if you don’t use it, you lose it.