Here is an interesting study from Penn State researchers that concludes that "older adults who met twice-weekly strength training guidelines had lower odds of dying."
"Many studies have previously found that older adults who are physically active have better quality of life and a lower risk of mortality."
"Regular exercise is associated with health benefits, including preventing early death, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and some cancers."
"But although the health rewards of physical activity and aerobic exercise are well established, less data has been collected on strength training."
"Over the past decade, researchers have begun to demonstrate benefits of strength training on strength, muscle mass and physical function, as well as improvements in chronic conditions such as diabetes, osteoporosis, low back pain and obesity."
"Small studies have observed that greater amounts of muscle strength are associated with lower risks of death."
"Importantly, after the researchers controlled for physical activity level, people who reported strength exercises appeared to see a greater mortality benefit than those who reported physical activity alone."
"In fact, older adults who strength trained at least twice a week had 46 percent lower odds of death for any reason than those who did not."
"They also had 41 percent lower odds of cardiac death and 19 percent lower odds of dying from cancer."
"The study is strong evidence, the researchers said, that strength training in older adults is beneficial beyond improving muscle strength and physical function."
So how many times per week do you strength train?
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https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/04/160420090406.htm