Training in Muscle Power Improves Quality of Life in Elderly

Two studies recently confirmed that training elderly people for both gains in power (strength and speed) as well as endurance, is not only possible, but improves the quality of their lives by improving their functional capacity.This research was conducted at Universidad de Navarra in Spain and published in Experimental Gerontology. The authors recommend that everyone over the age of 50 should be doing regular physical exercise for two reasons: (1) it is  the cornerstone in preventing cardiovascular disease, and (2) it prevents a decline in functional capacity, which starts to emerge after age 50 in a significant way without exercise. The exercise programs used in this study were fairly demanding and resulted in significant increases in muscular strength, aerobic capacity, joint mobility, and motor skills. A 20 minute walk 3 times a week is not at all enough.