Sarcopenia is increasingly defined by both loss of muscle mass and loss of muscle function or strength. Physical inactivity and disease – both highly prevalent in the elderly – are the main contributors to the decline of muscle mass and function. Both resistance (Weight training) and aerobic training have been shown to increase muscle strength and improve physical function.
After middle age, adults lose 3% of their muscle strength every year, on average. This limits their ability to perform many routine activities
Studies have solidly concluded that that resistance weight training leads to significant gains in muscle strength, size, and functional mobility among frail residents of nursing homes up to 96 years of age.
A study of 57 adults aged 65–94 showed that performing resistance exercises three times per week increased muscle strength over 12 weeks. Of course, this is really true of all individuals who enroll in a well planned and goal -oriented fitness program.
So I meet many individuals who know THEY SHOULD GO TO THE GYM. I also know as a full-time caregiver myself that a well-planned fitness and weight management program pays off in terms of increased strength, balance, and mobility.
The key is really motivational. It is a very large percentage of what I do. To keep my clients motivated to achieve established goals that we worked on together.
the loss of skeletal muscle mass with advancing age results in lower basal metabolic rate, weakness, reduced activity levels, decreased bone density, and low-calorie needs. The related increase in body fat is linked to hypertension and abnormal glucose tolerance. Many consequences of sarcopenia are preventable or even reversible. Progressive resistance exercises can produce substantial increases in strength and muscle size, even in the oldest old. For many older individuals exercise represents the safest, least expensive means to lose body fat, decrease blood pressure, improving glucose tolerance, and maintain long-term independence.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28181204
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5957062/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8621102
Tom Stratman SNAP Fitness Oakhurst Plaza Seminole, FL 33777 (727) 386-1889