“The secret to a longer and healthier life may not be available in pill form, but it may look like a barbell,” says Jennifer Kraschnewski, MD, an advocate of strength training for older adults.  She let a new study of more than 30,000 adults ages 65 and older, and determined that lifting weights or doing pushups can add years to  life.  Participants who reported that they did strength training at least twice a week were 46 percent less likely to die from any cause during the 14 year study.  “Strength training can be done at home and many exercises don’t actually require equipment,” Dr. Kraschnewski said.  She suggested pushups, abdominal crunches, and leg squats.  Joining a gym can offer additional benefits, and gyms often have trainer who can help create and exercise regimen.  The American College of Sports Medicine/American Heart Association recommendation includes at least two sessions of strength training per week, as well as 150 minutes of moderated-intensity aerobic activity such as brisk walking.

Source: “Seniors: Pump Iron, Live Lonter,”  www.nlm.nih.gov/MedlinePlus 5/4/16