Why is anaerobic exercise emphasized as you age?

Why is anaerobic exercise emphasized as you age?

• A. It increases only cardiovascular endurance
• B. It helps prevent loss of muscle tissue
• C. It has no effect on muscle mass
• D. It decreases bone density

Answer: (B)

A key issue as we age is losing muscle mass, known as sarcopenia. Anaerobic exercise, especially resistance training, directly stimulates muscle protein synthesis and muscle fiber adaptations, helping to maintain and even increase lean muscle tissue. This preserves strength, functional ability, and metabolic health, making daily activities easier and reducing risk of falls. The other statements mischaracterize the effects: anaerobic work does more than just improve cardiovascular endurance, it does affect muscle mass, and it typically supports bone health rather than decreasing it.

A key issue as we age is losing muscle mass, known as sarcopenia. Anaerobic exercise, especially resistance training, directly stimulates muscle protein synthesis and muscle fiber adaptations, helping to maintain and even increase lean muscle tissue. This preserves strength, functional ability, and metabolic health, making daily activities easier and reducing risk of falls. The other statements mischaracterize the effects: anaerobic work does more than just improve cardiovascular endurance, it does affect muscle mass, and it typically supports bone health rather than decreasing it.