Sarcopenia is the loss of muscle tissue—similar to what osteoporosis is for bone. It is a leading contributor to functional decline and loss of independence in older adults. Fortunately, it can be reversed. In one study, twelve sedentary men aged sixty to seventy-two significantly increased their leg strength and muscle mass with a twelve-week strength-training program three times a week. In another study, eight weeks of resistance training created significant improvements in frail nursing home residents aged ninety to ninety-six. They saw a 174 percent gain in strength, and walking speed
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