NSCA Releases Position Statement on Resistance Training for Older Adults

Colorado Springs, CO – The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) recently released a first-of-its-kind position statement that addresses resistance training for older adults. The benefits of resistance training are almost overwhelming, however, too few older adults participate in resistance training, largely because of fear, confusion, and lack of consensus to guide implementation. It is the hope that this position statement may have a positive impact addressing these issues and on empowering healthier aging.

This position statement is intended to:

• Help foster a more unified and holistic approach to resistance training for older adults.
• Promote the health and functional benefits of resistance training for older adults.
• Prevent or minimize fears and other barriers to implementation of resistance training programs for older adults.

Older adults are the fastest growing segment of the US population where by 2030 one in five residents will be over the age of 65. Aging, even in the absence of chronic disease, is associated with a variety of biological changes that can contribute to decreases in skeletal muscle mass, strength, and function. Such losses decrease physiologic resilience and increase vulnerability to catastrophic events. As such, strategies for both prevention and treatment are necessary for the health and well-being of older adults.

Current research has demonstrated that countering muscle disuse via resistance training is a powerful intervention to combat the loss of muscle strength and muscle mass, physiological vulnerability, and their debilitating consequences on physical functioning, mobility, independence, chronic disease management, psychological well-being, quality of life, and healthy life expectancy.

Access to the position statement is open and free to the public and can be found here.

This statement was written by an authorship team that was appointed by the NSCA and includes the following topic experts: Maren Fragala, Eduardo Cadore, Sandor Dorgo, Mikel Izquierdo, William Kraemer, Mark Peterson, and Eric Ryan.

About the National Strength and Conditioning Association

The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) is an international nonprofit professional association founded in 1978 and is dedicated to advancing the strength and conditioning profession around the world. The NSCA advances the profession by supporting strength and conditioning professionals devoted to helping others discover and maximize their strengths. The organization disseminates research-based knowledge and its practical application by offering industry-leading certifications, research journals, career development services, and continuing education opportunities. The NSCA community is composed of more than 45,000 members and certified professionals who further industry standards as researchers, educators, strength coaches, personal trainers, and other roles in related fields.

Headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the NSCA serves as a valuable resource for its members, the fitness industry, general public, and the media. The association provides a wide variety of resources and opportunities designed to strengthen, build, advance, and unify.