Society treats older adults like they are weak. We’ve seen the elderly and and viewed them as fragile. The question I have for you is this: Are they fragile because they are older, or are they fragile because we have perpetuated this view? I think it’s the latter! When we stop looking at older adults (or ourselves as we age) as incapable and begin to focus on their abilities, we empower them.
Weightlifting does wonders for a person’s body and mind. Older adults are not excluded! Here’s what we know:
Some would assume that once we reach older adulthood, muscle mass is lost and can’t come back. WRONG! We can get stronger at any age. And there is a long list of benefits from gaining muscle as we age: Increased independence, more ease with daily activities, more community involvement, better balance, decreased risk of falls, lower risk of diabetes and heart disease… the list goes on and on!
Additionally, strength training in older adults has been shown to help with anxiety, depression, cognition, fatigue, and self esteem. Is this shocking? I don’t think so.
Encourage the older adults in your life to strength train. Have them find someone to start this process with, as it can seem pretty intimidating in the beginning. And if you are an older adult, ask us how to start your strength training journey!
Rachel Atufunwa, PT, DPT