Resistance training is beneficial for older adults.
The purpose of resistance training is to develop or maintain muscle strength. Adults naturally lose muscle mass as they age, but resistance exercise for older adults can improve muscle strength and endurance and a person's ability to function.
Government Recommendations
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adults over age 65 perform resistance exercise or muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days a week. These exercises should work all major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders and arms). Possible resistance exercises include lifting weights, using resistance bands, yoga, body-weight exercises (push ups, for example) or digging and shoveling.
