The global number of people in their eighties is estimated to triple from 143 million in 2019 to 426 million in 2050.
Aging is associated with loss of muscle mass and strength, which affects the ability to perform daily activities and reduces quality of life. Therefore, it is important to develop effective strategies to maintain muscle mass and strength in the older population and prevent the onset of sarcopenia and other related health problems.
A recent study entitled “Muscle Mass and Strength gains following resistance exercise training in older adults 65-75 years and older adults above 85 years” compared the adaptive response to strength training in older adults aged 65-75 years and older adults above 85 years. Seventeen older adults aged 65 to 75 years and twelve older adults over 85 years participated in a 12-week training program.
Effects of strength training in older adults
This study demonstrated that full-body strength training increased muscle mass, strength, and functional capacity in both age groups. No significant differences in training effects were found between the two groups. Even though the older adults aged 85 years and older had less muscle mass, strength, and physical performance compared to the 65-75-year-old group, they showed a similar response to strength training and experienced significant improvements in all measures assessed.
However, the study also argues that, although there is some heterogeneity in the response to physical training in the older population, additional factors such as the level of frailty or the presence of specific diseases may influence this variability. Therefore, prolonged strength training can significantly increase muscle mass, strength, and physical performance in older adults, regardless of age. The adaptive response to strength training is not limited by age per se but may be influenced by other factors such as frailty and associated diseases.
Continue your professional training
We invite you to embark on an academic professional journey by enrolling in our program of Master in Physical Activity: Sports Training and Management. This program is focused on developing students’ invaluable knowledge and skills that will enable them to have a significant impact on the lives of older adults by designing and implementing evidence-based exercise interventions to strengthen muscle mass in diverse populations.
Join the Universidad Internacional Iberoamericana (International Iberoamerican University, UNIB) in this rewarding opportunity and embark on a fulfilling career path where you will truly make a difference.
