While some people swear by resistance and weight-bearing exercises as a tried and true way to increase bone density that is lost in older adulthood, other experts say that this might not in fact be the case. According to a recent study, while bone density is increased in periods when seniors are regularly lifting weights, walking, jogging or completing other weight-bearing activities; these activities do not bring lasting results in terms of bone density; as soon as Boston seniors stop exercising regularly, any results that appeared can almost instantly disappear.

It should also not come as a surprise that resistance training can result in injuries for seniors who could overexert their muscles when trying to lift weights that are too heavy, or by trying to do too much at once. Spinal degenerations can become an issue for seniors who lift weights, with problems such as issues with vertebral end plates and spinal discs appearing which can rarely be reversed. Before starting a weight lifting program, seniors should talk to their doctor and get advice from a personal trainer who can help them learn proper form and prevent injuries, that way they can reap the benefits of weight lifting upon bone density without creating a potentially crippling problem.

Sources:

1. Suite101
2. Mayo Clinic

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