Strength Training for Older Males

We all aim to live a healthier, longer life. But what exactly is health?

Health is described as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity“.

As you can see, health is multi-faceted and complicated. Today we will focus simply on the physical side of health. Specifically let’s talk about the physical health for older males.

Firstly, let’s look at some statistics surrounding Australian males (taken from the ABS):

• 1 in 3 Australian men over the age of 50 are on pain medication.
• 3 in 4 men are overweight or obese.
• The leading cause of death for males in 2017 was coronary heart disease.
• Males accounted for more than half (53%) of total disease burden in 2015.

We also understand there are serious mental health issues within the male population that continue to be addressed within the health sector.

If we look at the statistics above, the main issues seem to be focused around pain management, weight management and the prevalence of chronic health conditions.

Now, let’s look at the benefits of regular exercise and strength training:

• Regular exercise can help to minimise a persons pain experiences.
• Regular exercise and resistance training can help with managing weight and body fat levels.
• Regular exercise can help to reduce Heart Disease.
• Regular exercise can potentially reduce the need for daily medication.
• Regular exercise can help reduce the risk of developing most chronic health conditions such as Diabetes, Stroke, Obesity and Cancer.

Can you see the connection? Regular exercise and strength training is essential for improving long-term health and function and can really impact on that goal of living a longer, healthier life.

Some other great benefits of strength training include:

• Maintain and improve muscle mass.
• Maintain and improve metabolic rate.
• Increase the ability to continue working in a manual role.
• Preserve bone health and joint issues.
• Improve mental health and depression.
• Improved blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
• Improved cognitive function.

Are you an older male who struggles with their health? Perhaps it’s time to talk with your GP about starting a strength program.

Not only will it help you feel better, it will help you live longer and more independently!