What are the effects of aging on my body?
The Bad News – The changes of aging soft tissue like muscles, tendons and ligaments may not be as obvious as gray hair or wrinkles. Muscle loss usually begins in the mid-40s and it’s possible to lose 30% of your muscle mass over a 20 year period. Aging muscles often lose endurance, become more susceptible to injury and need more time to heal from an injury. Physiological changes in circulation and hormonal secretion also affect the soft tissues. Tendons and ligaments often lose elasticity and contribute to joint stiffening, limited range of motion and vulnerability to injury. The Good News – Many of these age-related changes can be slowed by regular physical activity. Aerobic exercise can increase endurance and is thought to help increase the flow of oxygen to cells and tissues, helping to provide nourishment to muscles, tendons and ligaments. Strength training offers substantial benefits. Resistance training may actually postpone the aging of muscles. Strong muscles also protect previ
