And she ought to know. In one Tufts study, the participants were frail nursing-home residents whose ages ranged from 72 to 98. After just ten weeks, strength-training improved their muscle strength, ability to climb stairs, and walking speed. The same goes for people with chronic diseases. But we see some of the greatest benefits in people with arthritis.
Exercise reduces pain and increases range of motion, strength, and mobility.
That doesn't mean that anyone can plunge into a bout of vigorous exercise, regardless of health history. Anyone with multiple risk factors for heart disease should check with a physician and start slowly. And it will take a lot more time to deal with them than it takes to exercise. 1 N. Eng. 2 J. Amer.