Exercise keeps muscles -- and you -- young: Study

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2016-03/uog-ekm033016.php

Public Release: 30-Mar-2016
Exercise keeps muscles -- and you -- young: Study
University of Guelph

A University of Guelph professor has uncovered the "secret" to staying strong as we age - superb fitness.

Geoff Power found elderly people who were elite athletes in their youth or later in life - and who still compete as masters athletes -- have much healthier muscles at the cellular level compared to those of non-athletes.

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Power studies healthy aging from cells to the whole body. "Exercise is definitely an important contributor to functional performance," he said, adding that even non-athletes can benefit. "Staying active, even later in life, can help reduce muscle loss."

But, he adds, "we cannot rule out the importance of genetics." He said further research is needed to determine whether muscle health in elite athletes comes from training or genes.