'Weight training changed my life': gym exercises improve muscle strength and give more autonomy to the elderlyPhoto by Absoluta Mel on Pexels
ScienceLisboa

'Weight training changed my life': gym exercises improve muscle strength and give more autonomy to the elderly

extra29 August 2026 at 08:02

The practice of weight training by people aged 60 or over is becoming increasingly common in gyms, which now see their older patrons sharing spaces with younger users. This phenomenon represents a significant change in the scenario of these institutions, which were previously predominantly frequented by younger audiences.

The elderly's pursuit of weight training goes far beyond aesthetic results. The practice has proven to be an important tool for muscle strengthening, recovery of autonomy, improvement of mental health, and stimulation of coexistence and interaction between generations, offering benefits that directly impact the quality of life of this population.

The gerontology specialist Talita Cezareti highlights that weight training is a resistance training considered very effective for increasing strength and muscle mass in the elderly, being pointed out as a strategic pillar for healthy aging.

Among the benefits highlighted by the specialist, weight training also helps control diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and osteoporosis. Additionally, it is considered an ally in the prevention of falls, as it preserves and increases strength and muscle power, fundamental aspects for mobility and for the elderly person's body to better respond to unexpected situations of imbalance.

Related articles

Science

'Stud' bird saves rare species from extinction almost alone in the UK

A 10-year-old male Montagu's harrier (Circus pygargus), named AU (chemical symbol for gold), became the unlikely savior of the species in the UK, having produced 16 chicks throughout its life, with ten only in the last two years. British environmentalists have been fighting for decades to avoid the local extinction of this migratory bird of prey, which spends the winter in Africa and Asia and returns to Europe in spring to reproduce. Biologist Mark Thomas, from the RSPB, stated that the bird is "solo sustaining this species in the UK", highlighting that it is at the peak of its reproductive activity.

extra29/08/26, 17:00
RD Congo: Surto de ébola chega a mais duas zonas na província de Kivu do Norte
Science

RD Congo: Ebola outbreak reaches two more areas in North Kivu province

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has spread to two more areas in North Kivu province, raising the number of infections to 5,794 and causing 2,786 deaths, according to the latest data on the health crisis in that country.

Sábado29/08/26, 15:20
Os primeiros seres humanos eram capazes de sobreviver em zonas desérticas
Science

The first humans were capable of surviving in desert zones

A new scientific study revealed that an early human ancestor of our species managed to survive in arid and hostile terrain in East Africa for much longer than researchers previously thought. The research challenges previous notions about the adaptation capabilities of early humans to desert environments.

SAPO Notícias29/08/26, 14:55
Science

When fun stops being free

Psychologist Margarida Ferraz warns about the risks associated with the consumption of alcohol and psycho-stimulants, highlighting that dependency rarely appears suddenly, settling in silently over time. The article raises awareness about the importance of recognizing the signs of problematic consumption and the dangers these substances represent for mental and physical health.

Região de Leiria29/08/26, 13:30