Retirement living communities that provide their residents with weight training opportunities could also improve their quality of life.
Indiana University researchers say that to combat natural declines in strength as retirees age, progressively more difficult strength training could help them remain mobile and improve some aspects of their daily lives.
The findings come after they reviewed more than 121 trials that followed people over 60 who engaged in weight training two or three times per week.
"Older adults seem to benefit from this type of exercise even at the age of 80, and even with some type of health condition," said lead author Chiung-ju Liu.
"Simply having enough strength to do things such as carrying groceries would make a difference for seniors."
Older people were also able to get up from a chair or climb stairs with greater ease following the programs, the scientists noted.
They recommend that retirees use the help of a trained professional to develop their program, and as in younger populations, be mindful of potential muscle soreness or pain.
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