Research
Mixed
Resistance training counteracts age-related muscle mass and strength loss, improving mobility, physical functioning, and independence in older adults.
Keep moving and lifting. It's not too late to build strength. This will help you do daily tasks easier and stay independent longer.
StrongSupportsVERY_HIGH confidence
A properly designed resistance training program can improve mobility, physical functioning, performance in activities of daily living (ADL), and preserve the independence of older adults.
Why this rating
Based on extensive evidence from multiple studies and meta-analyses cited.
Source
Resistance Training for Older Adults: Position Statement From the National Strength and Conditioning Association
Maren S. Fragala et al. · The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research · 2019
DOI 10.1519/jsc.0000000000003230
clinical_guidelineCited 1,187×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
More from this paper
- Resistance training is safe for healthy older adults when properly designed with appropriate technique instructions and spotting.Strong
- Resistance training protocols for older adults should include 2-3 sets of 1-2 multijoint exercises per major muscle group, performed 2-3 times per week at 70-85% of 1RM, including power exercises at 40-60% 1RM.Strong
Related findings · Mixed
- Bariatric surgery (VSG and RYGB) is the most effective and sustainable treatment for obesity, producing marked and sustained weight loss that non-surgical interventions cannot match.Strong
- Severely protein-deficient diets (2–3% energy) induce lean body mass loss and metabolic imbalance, whereas adequate protein intake (0.66 g/kg/d minimum) is a prerequisite for maintaining muscle, bone, and physiological function.Strong
- For patients with Class III obesity (BMI >39.9 kg/m2), metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS) is significantly more effective than any currently approved medication, with BilioPancreatic Diversion (BPD) showing the highest estimated weight loss.Strong
This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →