It seems that most people concentrate on the aerobic or cardiovascular fitness. Research has shown that all components peak between 20 and 30 years of age and remain stable or decrease slightly over the next 20 years. During the 60th decade of life, reduction of strength, muscle size and physiological function is most dramatic.
Many tasks require pushing, pulling, lifting, carrying and holding heavy objects.
This creates a certain physiological stress depending on the strength required. Maintenance or enhancement of adequate strength allows for these tasks to be accomplished with less physiological stress and greater ease. There are many other benefits of maintaining strength as well. Greater muscle strength results in better balance. Falls, immobility and loss of independence is very common in the older age groups and the risk can be decreased with resistance training exercises.