Although their gravity-defying feats are enhanced by technology, the strength, agility, and poise inherent in their movements are inspiring. While this level of physical skill is not necessary to carry out the tasks of daily living, strong muscles and bones and a good sense of balance make it possible to glide through the day. But their value is too often appreciated only when strength has ebbed, bones have become brittle, and equilibrium has vanished. Women can remain strong and agile as they age, but to do so they need to get some sort of exercise, an activity that eludes many Americans. Lack of exercise can take a particular toll on women, who on average are smaller and weaker than men, said Miriam Nelson, PhD, an exercise physiologist at Tufts University, Boston.
Women have more body fat and less muscle and bone than men.
As people age, muscle tissue and bone are lost. Because women have less to start with, said Nelson, they are at greater risk at a younger age than men for many problems associated with aging. Strength training, while not shown to lengthen life, can improve its quality by giving people the muscle power to perform daily activities and remain independent longer. Nelson contends that strengthening exercises are even more important for women than for men. One reason why, she said, is that postmenopausal women are more likely than men of a similar age to have bone fractures due to falling.