Study Highlights Need for Strength Training in Older Women to Ward Off Effects of Aging

In a study published in Physical & Occupational Therapy in Geriatrics , researchers from the University at Buffalo report that regular physical activity may help older women increase their mobility. However, muscle strength and endurance may decline due to frailty if they have not done resistance training. The study analyzed 46 women between the age ranges of 60-74 and 75-90 to learn how physical activity affects frailty in the two groups. Researchers discovered there was a larger difference between the two groups in terms of muscle strength and endurance among those who were very physically active. One of the study's lead authors says the results highlight the importance for older women to build up muscle strength early in the aging process to help slow the effects of growing older.