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Regular exercise and physical activity is important to maintain good health as we age, and according to a small study, resistance training is vital to prevent frailty in older women. Frailty is assessed by measuring muscle strength and endurance, as well as walking speed and mobility.

This study was led by researchers from the State University of New York at Buffalo and published in Physical & Occupational Therapy in Geriatrics. It involved 46 women in two different age groups – 60 to 74 and 75 to 90. The researchers determined that among study participants who were physically active, there was a significant difference between the two groups in terms of strength and endurance.

According to the researchers, women who engage in regular physical activity – including strength training – before the age of 75 and continue as they age can reduce their risk for frailty, that is, slow walking and impaired function and mobility.