According to the United States Census Bureau, by the year 2030, the number of individuals in the United States 65 years and over will reach 70 million, and all baby boomers will be over 65.
It is important to note that muscle mass decreases as we age. It is essential to work on increasing exercise to maintain muscle mass because, without it, we can lose mobility and thereby independence. Good news is that muscle mass can be increased at any age with exercise.
Older adults need to participate in strength building exercises at least two days of the week.[1] Other activities would include moderate-intensity activity, such as brisk walking, and vigorous-intensity activity, such as running or jogging.
The exercises can include walking, running, working out with exercise stretch bands, or light weights. The activity should be relative to physical ability and may also be beneficial with balance and flexibility.
Learn more:
Older People Projected to Outnumber Children for First Time in U.S. History [Internet] United States Census Bureau. Available from: https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2018/cb18-41-population-projections.html
[1] Nelson ME, Rejeski WJ, Blair SN, et al. Physical activity and public health in older adults: recommendation from the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Heart Association. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2007;39(8):1435–1445.
