Do you feel like you’re slowing down as you get older? 

When it comes to aging, most are focused on appearance. A variety of skin care products promise to hide wrinkles and reduce the effects of aging.  

Looking younger is amazing, but feeling younger? That’s the sweet spot!  

As we age, energy levels decrease, we feel mobility and agility slowing down, and we lose muscle.

By staying physically active, you can slow the signs of aging — and keep doing those important things like playing with your kids or completing daily chores.  

A 2010 study found that strength loss begins at age 30, with a natural loss of three to five percent occurring for each decade of life. The loss rate can differ from factors like activity level, diet, and genetics. (1)

Slowing Down the Effects of Aging

Living a sedentary lifestyle is one of the worst things you can do as it leads to muscle loss. The longer you go without moving, the more muscle mass decreases — leading to less energy.

Engaging in regular physical activity, like resistance exercise, is a great for increasing strength and slowing down aging.

A 2018 study showed that those who exercised regularly defied the aging process. Their muscle mass and strength, and even immune systems, were similar to that of a person half their age. (2) 

What types of exercise programs are best for slowing down aging?  

Resistance-based or bodyweight strength exercise programs are best. Both are great for improving heart health, muscle strength, and balance in older adults.  

When choosing a program, the most common mistake is engaging in high-impact or strenuous workouts. 

Your workouts shouldn’t leave you exhausted, sore, and injured. 

That’s why older adults should focus on safe, low-impact movements. 

Low-impact movements will protect the joints, tendons, and muscles — but still provide the benefits of more strength.

 

Resources

(1) Kortebein P, Symons TB, Ferrando A, et al. Functional impact of 10 days of bed rest in healthy older adults. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2008;63:1076–1081.

(2) www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/03/180308143123.htm