Mixed
Maintaining or increasing skeletal muscle strength and mass through resistance exercise and adequate protein intake is a primary determinant of healthy aging, reduced mortality, and preserved independence in older adults.
Focus on building and maintaining muscle strength through regular resistance training and consuming sufficient protein (likely higher than the standard 0.8g/kg/day, potentially 1.2-2.0g/kg during illness or for optimal maintenance). This is the most effective way to ensure a long, independent, and healthy life, rather than focusing solely on lifespan extension strategies that ignore muscle function.
increasing muscle protein synthesis via exercise or protein-based nutrition maintains a strong, healthy muscle mass, which in turn leads to improved health, independence and functionality.
Why this rating
Based on large cohort prospective studies (8000+ participants, 18 years) and multiple clinical trials, though it is a review paper.
Source
Live strong and prosper: the importance of skeletal muscle strength for healthy ageing
Michael K. McLeod et al. · Biogerontology · 2016
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