As National Physical Fitness and Sports Month begins this May, many older adults are being encouraged to move more and stay active. But growing evidence suggests that simply doing more cardio may not be enough to support healthy aging. Increasingly, experts say maintaining muscle strength may play one of the biggest roles in preserving mobility, balance and independence later in life.
While walking and aerobic activity support heart health, strength-focused exercise may help counter one of aging’s biggest threats: muscle loss. After age 60, adults naturally begin losing muscle mass and physical resilience faster, which can affect metabolism, stability and everyday function. Resistance-based movement — including bodyweight exercises, resistance bands or light weights — may help support stronger muscles, healthier joints and better long-term mobility without requiring intense workouts.
National Physical Fitness and Sports Month was created to encourage Americans of all ages to adopt healthier lifestyles and stay physically active consistently over time. But many health experts now believe fitness should be viewed as more than calorie burning alone. For older adults especially, building and preserving strength may be one of the most important investments for maintaining quality of life and staying active for years to come.
SOURCE:
National Today, May 30, 2026