05/28/97 Strength Training Vital to Elderly Health

Strength Training Vital to Elderly Health

CHICAGO, May 28, 1997

Research From ADA's Nutrition & Health For Older Americans Campaign

Strength training, popularly thought of as a pastime of young athletes, can benefit the health status of elderly men and women. Research, published in the June issue of the Journal of The American Dietetic Association, shows that increased strength, attained through muscle-bearing and resistance-type activities, actually helps people increase their aerobic activity level and thereby possibly fight off many chronic diseases associated with old age.

While both aerobic and strength conditioning are highly recommended, the authors, William J. Evans, Ph.D. and Deanna Cyr-Campbell, R.D. (registered dietitian) of Pennsylvania State University, say that only strength training can stop or reverse sarcopenia--an age-related loss in muscle mass.

When muscle mass is diminished, older adults often have a harder time staying physically active and, in severe cases, lose endurance for routine activities of daily living, according to the experts. This, in turn, leads to decreased energy needs and often is a factor in weight gain among the elderly.

Strength or resistance activities, such as weight lifting or push-ups, causes large muscle groups to generate force that is progressively increased over time. Aerobic activities, such as cycling and walking, have long been recognized as vital to a healthy lifestyle and important in managing many chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure.

For older men and women who need to lose weight, resistance training can preserve or even increase muscle mass during weight loss. The researchers point out that muscle burns calories more efficiently than fat allowing older adults to consume more nutrients with less risk of weight gain.

The Journal article provides guidelines for resistance exercise training for the elderly and notes that anyone over the age of 50 who wants to begin a vigorous training program should consult a physician. In addition, the article offers suggestions for developing community-based exercise programs for the elderly.

This research was published as part of ADA's Nutrition & Health For Older Americans campaign, which is working to keep people healthy and active during their later years. Future issues of the Journal will feature research on common health problems of ethnic elderly and access to healthcare among rural elderly.

The American Dietetic Association is the world's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. With nearly 70,000 members, ADA serves the public by promoting optimal nutrition, health and well-being. The Journal of The American Dietetic Association is the most widely read, peer-reviewed periodical in the dietetics field. Published monthly, it brings original research, critical reviews and reports, authoritative informative and expert commentary to nutrition and dietetics professionals throughout the world.

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