How to Avoid Losing Muscle as You Age

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At 81, Dad does 40 pushups and 20 sprints up a 30 step staircase every other day. He was on the roof of his house yesterday applying roofing tar. At 58 I can deadlift 590 and walk up a 35% gradient foot trail with 275lbs on my back for 3 minute intervals, continuing to walk with no weights until my heartbeat gets below 80bpm, doing 4-8 sets depending on energy level.
With access to nutrient rich foods and basic exercise, why shouldn't a person continue to enjoy strength gains into their mid 70's?

Pete of CA 12:46AM January 28, 2011

HAVING READ YOUR WRITE UP I AM TRULY IMPRESSED. IF IS INFORMATIVE AS MAN OF 50S YEARS OLD. I STILL CAN PULL CHEST SPRING AND CARRY LIGHT IRON BAR TO MAINTAIN THE STRENGHT.

PILLAI 4:58AM December 04, 2010

I have lost some muscle I am 63. I am in good health. Own a construction co. work almost every day. Little or no exercise but always moving or driving from job sites. What can I do to build muscle.

larry trivette of NC 9:26PM December 03, 2010

razzafazzabazza

Scellflumma of AL 5:27PM April 09, 2010

@ William: you might want to contact a physiotherapist or practitioner of Alexander technique to sort out your walking technique.
We might think we're walking properly, but In my case, I've found that stepping out a little too far forward can cause pain in the front of my upper thighs, and walking with too wide a gait can make my inner thighs sore. My trainer, who studies Alexander, made some minor adjustments to my gait and now I feel much less soreness. (I'm fifty, by the way.)
Give it a shot.

SteveR 3:01PM March 15, 2010

at 55 it seems like i am loosing muscle mass fast specially after my kidney transplant oporation 21 yrs ago. becouse of all these medecations i am takeing.when i try to excersize my elbows heart.lifting simple things like things from the back seat of my car has become hard and painful

hussam alkhayyal 6:19AM December 28, 2009

I have a problem with walking. After about 5 minutes of fast walking my hips and calves ache and tighten up to the point I can't walk further. One doctor said it was from the staten drugs I take, but my cardiologist insists I must stay on the perscription. I have had various medical tests performed on my legs and nothing appears to indicate a problem. Yet, I cannot sustain exercise for very long, especially walking. I do use the exercise machines for arms and chest at the gym, but cannot use the treadmill for more than five minutes as my calves and hips start to ache.
So, it's great to say all old folks (I am 78) should exercise, but my reason for not walking is pain, not procastination nor lazyness. My question is: since I can't walk as an exercise, is lifting weights or using exercise machines adequate to maintain health?

William Hillier of TX 1:15PM December 05, 2009

I was doing fine until my 2nd year on Lipitor. I became so weak I could not bench 120# down from 185#. Now on much lower dose of Crestor and at 80 years back up to 150#. But amazed at how scrawny I look.

Carl Helwig of LA 5:41PM November 09, 2009

I don't know If I said it already but ...Excellent site, keep up the good work. I read a lot of blogs on a daily basis and for the most part, people lack substance but, I just wanted to make a quick comment to say I'm glad I found your blog. Thanks, :)
A definite great read..Tony Brown

Tony Brown of AL 6:28AM September 24, 2009

FYI.....Plaxico Burress The NFL Footbal Player Begins Prison Sentence Today!
Not that I have anything against the guy but finally these athletes might start to get it....You CAN'T just do anything you want and get away with it. If I get caught with a gun, I would have to do time too.
Just my 2 cents.....

Bill Bartmann of AL 10:42PM September 22, 2009