How Strength Training Can Help Seniors Prevent Osteoporosis and Sarcopenia

All age-appropriate! But devil lies in the details

 

Osteoporosis and sarcopenia are important health issues for older adults that can affect daily life. Osteoporosis makes bones weak and increases the chance of fractures. Sarcopenia is the gradual loss of muscle mass and strength as we age. These two conditions are connected and can lead to falls and weakness. Strength training is a great way to help prevent these problems.

Understanding Osteoporosis and Sarcopenia
Osteoporosis means lower bone density, making bones more likely to break. Sarcopenia refers to losing muscle over time, which can make it harder to move around and stay independent. Knowing about these conditions is essential for seniors and their caregivers.

The Role of Strength Training

Strength training is important for building and keeping muscle mass, which helps fight sarcopenia. Weight-bearing exercises, like lifting weights, also help improve bone health by encouraging bone growth and reducing loss. Additionally, getting stronger can improve balance and coordination, which helps prevent falls.

 
Benefits of Strength Training for Seniors
 
  1. Increases muscle mass, fighting sarcopenia.

  2. Improves bone health, increasing bone density.

  3. Enhances ability to perform daily activities, helping maintain independence.

  4. Provides mental health benefits, reducing feelings of depression and anxiety.

  5. Supports overall health, benefiting heart health and metabolism.

 

Before starting any new exercise routine, seniors should talk to their healthcare provider. Working with a certified personal trainer can be especially helpful for those new to strength training. It’s important to progress slowly and pay attention to how your body feels to stay safe.

Strength training is crucial for preventing osteoporosis and sarcopenia. By including strength training in their weekly routine, seniors can improve their quality of life. Staying active is key to better health and maintaining independence.

Helix Wellness offers tailored strength training programs for seniors, helping you build strength but also improve your overall mobility, balance, and cardiovascular health. To help you get started, we offer a free trial session for all seniors! Join us today and take the first step towards a healthier, more active future! Make a booking today.

 

STAY STRONG
STAY PAINFREE

 
 

Citations

  1. Giallauria, F., Cittadini, A., Smart, N. A., & Vigorito, C. (2016). Resistance training and sarcopenia. Monaldi archives for chest disease = Archivio Monaldi per le malattie del torace, 84(1-2), 738. https://doi.org/10.4081/monaldi.2015.738

  2. Hong, A. R., & Kim, S. W. (2018). Effects of Resistance Exercise on Bone Health. Endocrinology and metabolism (Seoul, Korea), 33(4), 435–444. https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2018.33.4.435

  3. Sherrington, C., Whitney, J. C., Lord, S. R., Herbert, R. D., Cumming, R. G., & Close, J. C. (2008). Effective exercise for the prevention of falls: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 56(12), 2234–2243. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1532-5415.2008.02014.x

  4. Hunter, G. R., Wetzstein, C. J., Fields, D. A., Brown, A., & Bamman, M. M. (2000). Resistance training increases total energy expenditure and free-living physical activity in older adults. Journal of applied physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985), 89(3), 977–984. https://doi.org/10.1152/jappl.2000.89.3.977

  5. Alizadeh, S., Daneshjoo, A., Zahiri, A., Anvar, S. H., Goudini, R., Hicks, J. P., Konrad, A., & Behm, D. G. (2023). Resistance Training Induces Improvements in Range of Motion: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.), 53(3), 707–722. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-022-01804-x

  6. Fransen, M., McConnell, S., Harmer, A. R., Van der Esch, M., Simic, M., & Bennell, K. L. (2015). Exercise for osteoarthritis of the knee. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 1(1), CD004376. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD004376.pub3

  7. Cornelissen, V. A., & Smart, N. A. (2013). Exercise training for blood pressure: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of the American Heart Association, 2(1), e004473. https://doi.org/10.1161/JAHA.112.004473

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