Maintaining muscle strength and power supports mobility, independence and resilience with age.

Muscle, strength and healthy ageing

Last reviewed 3 August 2026. How we write this.

Maintaining muscle strength and power supports mobility, independence and resilience with age.

Ageing changes muscle, nerves and recovery, while inactivity accelerates loss. Resistance training remains effective in later life when appropriately adapted.

Priorities for useful ageing

Train major muscle groups regularly.
Include power carefully when appropriate, such as rising quickly from a chair.
Eat adequate protein and total energy.
Progress balance and walking capacity as well as gym numbers.

Frailty, falls, unexplained weight loss and rapid functional decline deserve clinical assessment.

Educational content only. This does not diagnose a condition or replace assessment and advice from a qualified healthcare professional.

Related in this classroom

What longevity and healthspan really mean (8 min read)
Balance and preventing falls (8 min read)
Brain health and cognitive ageing (9 min read)

Sources for this classroom

Educational content only. Not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing your health regimen.