By Sue Ramauthar
As we age, prioritising movement and building muscle strength becomes more than just a tool for fitness—it is crucial for sustaining independence and overall wellbeing. Recognising that movement is medicine, and that its benefits extend far beyond our ability to perform daily tasks, helps us be more intentional in creating regular, consistent movement.
Muscle strength also plays a key role in preventing injuries, improving balance, joint support and reducing the risk of falls. Our bodies change with each decade, and a nice way to think about it is that the body becomes more “needy” and requires more effort to maintain the same level of functioning that we had a few years ago.
Upon entering our 50s, muscle mass naturally decreases, a process known as sarcopenia. This loss can make common activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or carrying groceries feel more strenuous. By incorporating regular strength training and functional movement exercises, we can slow this decline and even build muscle. This, in turn, supports bone density and joint health, helping to manage or prevent conditions like osteoporosis and arthritis.