After age 60, the body naturally begins to change: muscle mass gradually declines in a process known as sarcopenia, bone density drops, and metabolism slows down. These shifts can make everyday tasks harder and increase the risk of falls and chronic illness if left unaddressed.
Many people turn to walking as their main form of exercise, and for good reason—it helps manage weight, supports heart health, and eases stress. But according to health, strength, and wellness trainer Álvaro Puche, walking on its own isn’t enough to meaningfully improve physical fitness or ensure what experts call “functional longevity,” meaning the ability to stay independent and active well into older age.
Instead, Puche points to strength training as a more effective way to counter age-related muscle and bone loss. Unlike cardio-only routines, resistance exercises directly target the muscle fibers and bone structures that weaken over time, helping older adults maintain mobility, balance, and overall quality of life.
The recommendation comes as health professionals increasingly emphasize that aging well isn’t just about staying active in a general sense, but about choosing the right type of exercise. For people over 60, that means shifting focus from purely aerobic activity toward routines that build and preserve strength.
Curious about the specific exercise Puche recommends? Check out the full article on eltiempo.com.
Image: expertinfantry, BY 2.0 (via Openverse).