It’s never too late to lift weights: Older bodies can still build muscle

 

According to a recent study, it is safe for healthy individuals in their 60s, 70s, and beyond to start lifting weights and quickly build substantial muscle mass, strength, and mobility. Even those in their 80s and 90s who have never weight trained before can experience significant gains after starting a supervised program of lifting weights three times a week. This research challenges the common belief that older individuals are less likely to gain muscle mass and strength. Muscle tissue is constantly turning over as long as we live, so there is no reason why an octogenarian's muscles cannot strengthen and grow as well as a younger person's. The study suggests that our perceptions of what is physically possible in old age may need updating.