Researchers at the University at Buffalo, New York, followed more than 5,000 women between the ages of 63 and 99, finding that those with greater muscle strength had a significantly lower risk of death over an eight-year period.<\/p>\n
The findings were published in JAMA Network Open.<\/p>\n
EXERCISE AFFECTS THE HEART IN A HIDDEN, POWERFUL WAY BY REWIRING NERVES, STUDY FINDS<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Muscle function was measured using grip strength and how quickly participants could complete five unassisted sit-to-stand chair raises.\u00a0<\/p>\n These are two tests commonly used in clinical settings to evaluate muscle function in older adults<\/a>, the researchers noted.<\/p>\n A recent study shows that stronger muscle strength in women over 60 is linked to a lower risk of death over eight years. (iStock)<\/p>\n “In a community cohort of ambulatory older women, muscular strength was associated with significantly lower mortality rates, even when we accounted for usual physical activity<\/a> and sedentary time measured using a wearable monitor, gait speed and blood C-reactive protein levels,” study lead author Michael LaMonte, research professor of epidemiology and environmental health at the University at Buffalo, told Fox News Digital.<\/p>\n “Movement is the key \u2014 just move more and sit less.”<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Many earlier studies did not include those objective measurements, making it difficult to determine whether muscle strength itself was linked to longevity<\/a>, according to LaMonte. “Our study was able to better isolate the association between strength and death in later life,” he added.<\/p>\n CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Even for women who don\u2019t get the recommended amount of aerobic physical activity, which is at least 150 minutes per week, muscle strength remained important for longevity<\/a>, the researchers found.<\/p>\n Women with greater muscle strength were more likely to live longer, even if they did not meet the recommended amount of aerobic exercise. (iStock)<\/p>\n “The findings of lower mortality in those who had higher strength but were not meeting current national guidelines on aerobic activity were somewhat intriguing,” LaMonte said.<\/p>\n CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Federal guidelines recommend strengthening activities one to two days per week, targeting major muscle groups.<\/p>\n Resistance training does not have to require a gym membership, LaMonte noted. These exercises can be performed using free weights, resistance bands, bodyweight movements<\/a> or even household items, such as soup cans.<\/p>\n Experts recommend working major muscle groups one or two days a week using weights, bands or bodyweight exercises. (iStock)<\/p>\n “Movement is the key \u2014 just move more and sit less,” he said. “When we can no longer get out of the chair and move around, we are in trouble.”<\/p>\n TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n LaMonte acknowledged several limitations of the study. The researchers assessed muscle strength in older age but did not explore how earlier levels in adulthood might influence long-term health outcomes<\/a>.<\/p>\n![\"Senior](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/woman-squatting-holding-weights-outside.jpg\")
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