Use it or lose it...

Wellness should be life long, and a new study emphasizes that Fitness Training performed for just EIGHT WEEKS can make a tremendous impact at any age.  

Elderly women can increase muscle strength as much as young women can!  
A new study from the University of New Hampshire demonstrates that loss of muscle strength is LESS a "natural" part of the "aging process", but rather more the result of a decrease in physical activity and fitness training.

Use it or lose it...

One interesting finding in the study demonstrated that while the women studied in an 8 week training program gained similar percentages of strength compared to younger women, their resulting "power" (strength over time - or endurance) was less.

The study suggests that perhaps this need be further explored.  But perhaps the answer is simple.  Anyone who has been inactive for a longer time period will require more time to develop a "strength over time" (the study doesn't reveal exact time, but lets assume the older adults could have been inactive longer, than the younger women).  

Power is important in preventing falls and injury in the elderly.  Perhaps the next study (this is Dr. Barnathan's thought, not that of the researchers) is that a study must be done in a period well beyond 8 weeks.  I have faith in the science that given time, the endurance and power will develop.

University of New Hampshire (2008, November 5). Elderly Women Can Increase Strength But Still Risk Falls. ScienceDaily. Retrieved November 5, 2008, from http://www.sciencedaily.com­ /releases/2008/10/081023113111.htm