Mixed
Heavy resistance strength training produces significant muscle hypertrophy in older adults (65-75 years) comparable to young adults (20-30 years) when using the same relative training stimulus.
If you are an older adult, you can build significant muscle mass through strength training. The key is using heavy resistance that challenges you, similar to how younger people train. Don't let the myth of 'anabolic resistance' stop you; your muscles can still grow if you lift heavy enough.
Aging does not affect the muscle mass response to either ST or detraining... Young and older subject groups... there was a nearly identical gain in muscle volume between young and older subject groups.
Why this rating
Randomized controlled trial with direct comparison, MRI-verified outcomes, and rigorous protocol, though sample size per subgroup is small (n=11-12).
Source
Effects of Age, Gender, and Myostatin Genotype on the Hypertrophic Response to Heavy Resistance Strength Training
F. M. Ivey et al. · The Journals of Gerontology Series A · 2000
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