BRENTWOOD, Tenn., April 27, 2015 – – Most older people know the importance of aerobic activity. But fewer realize another type of exercise is crucial for preventing injuries and debility. Throughout May, Brookdale teams will visit seniors in their homes to introduce them to resistance training, necessary to offset age-related muscle loss that increases the risk of falling. The “Senior and Stronger””initiative takes place during Older Americans Month and National Physical Fitness and Sports Month.

Muscle mass declines 3% annually after age 60, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information. By 80, 50% of men and over a third of women have muscle weakness known as sarcopenia. “This muscle loss is a primary factor in falling, which is the leading cause of severe and fatal injuries in seniors,” said Dr. Kevin O’Neil, Brookdale’s chief medical officer. “Half of people above 80 fall each year.”

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