Adherence
Aerobic exercise (walking/jogging) is associated with lower fat mass in aging men, but does not prevent the age-related loss of fat-free mass.
If you rely on walking or jogging for your fitness, be aware that it will not stop you from losing muscle as you age. To maintain muscle mass, you must incorporate resistance training. Aerobic exercise is beneficial for reducing fat, but it is not a substitute for strength training in preserving fat-free mass.
Levels of aerobic exercise had a positive influence on fat mass and a slight negative effect on fat-free mass.
Why this rating
Large longitudinal cohort, but exercise was self-reported via a Physical Activity Index (PAI), not objectively measured.
Source
Longitudinal changes in body composition associated with healthy ageing: men, aged 20–96 years
Andrew S. Jackson et al. · British Journal Of Nutrition · 2011
DOI 10.1017/s0007114511003886
Related findings · Adherence
- Regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes/week of moderate-intensity) reduces all-cause and cardiovascular mortality by 20-30% and lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes by 25-35%.Strong
- Increasing physical activity from a sedentary lifestyle to an active one in middle adulthood significantly reduces the risk of coronary events compared to remaining sedentary.Strong
- Resistance exercise is the only intervention capable of consistently restoring muscle function and strength in sarcopenia, partially overcoming age-related anabolic resistance.Strong
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