Anti Aging

A critical factor associated with aging is the loss of muscle. The older we get the faster is the loss of muscle. A large number of studies show many complicated reasons for this. There is hope because adding muscle when we are old is possible. The simple way to look at this loss as we age is to view the cause as neglect and lack of knowledge. In other words inactivity leads to the loss of muscle and the loss of muscle increases our propensity for inactivity. Nutrition, stress management, rest, diet, protein, hormone replacement, and aerobic exercise were all tested and the results indicate that none of these will prevent the loss of muscle mass as we age. The only thing that actually works is weight lifting. Yes, lift weights. Assuming you are living a healthy lifestyle, weight lifting is essential. You do not have to become a professional body builder but if you want to maintain your ability to participate in activities as you age, you must lift weights and maintain a proper lifestyle as well. Working out 3.5 hours per week can reduce the incidence of disease by 30 percent and 5 hours can reduce the incidence by 50 percent on average¹. Stress management and healthy relationships further reduce the risk by improving the immune system. Even greater improvements are acheived by a nutrient dense diet combined with supplemental antioxidants.

1. Maria Antoinette Fiatarone Singh. Exercise Comes of Age: Rationale and Recommendations for a Geriatric Exercise Prescription. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2002 57: M262-M282.