Strength training can help people build muscle mass, and can assist in the fight against the debilitating effects of old age until they reach 80. After that, however, starting strength training may do little good.
In a new study, while six men in their 80’s did get somewhat stronger on a strength-training program, their whole muscle size and fiber size did not grow during a 12-week training regime.
But resistance training will allow your body to maintain muscle size and strength as you go through your 60’s and 70’s. If you actively engage in some sort of resistance training by the time you hit your 60’s, it could greatly improve your health. But once you hit the threshold of 80, it may be too late to get most of the health benefits.