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Weight Training Successfully Addresses Issues That Seniors Face: The Loss of Bone Density and BalanceTrying to Find a Natural Way to Maintain Weight Loss?Restoration of Balance and Reduction of FallsAs people age, poor balance and flexibility contribute to falls and broken bones. These fractures can result in significant disability and, in some cases, fatal complications. Strengthening exercises, when done properly and through the full range of motion, increase a person's flexibility and balance, which decrease the likelihood and severity of falls. One study in New Zealand in women 80 years of age and older showed a 40% reduction in falls with simple strength and balance training. Strengthening of BonePost-menopausal women can lose 1-2% of their bone mass annually. Results from a study conducted at Tufts University, which were published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 1994, showed that weight training increases bone density and reduces the risk for fractures among women aged 50-70. Proper Weight MaintenanceWeight training is crucial to weight control, because individuals who have more muscle mass have a higher metabolic rate. Muscle is active tissue that consumes calories while stored fat uses very little energy. Weight training can provide up to a 15% increase in metabolic rate, which is enormously helpful for weight loss and long-term weight control. Next: Senior Adults + Weight Training = Success in Improving Diabetes, Depression, and even Sleep! Previous: Is Weight Training a Good Idea for Senior Adults? Adapted from: Growing Stronger - Strength Training for Older Adults: Why Strength Training?
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