As we get older, muscle mass naturally declines. Beginning in the thirties, adults lose roughly three to five percent of muscle mass per decade, and this loss tends to accelerate after age 60. Without regular physical activity, this decline affects not only strength but also balance, mobility and overall physical function. Reduced muscle mass increases the risk of falls and difficulty performing daily tasks like climbing stairs, carrying groceries, or rising from a chair.
Muscle loss is influenced by multiple factors including inactivity, hormonal changes, inadequate nutrition, and decreased protein synthesis. Because it affects both quality of life and independence, taking proactive steps to preserve muscle is essential for healthy aging.
The Role of Physical Activity in Preserving Muscle
Staying active is one of the most effective ways to combat age-related muscle loss. Regular exercise, especially strength training and weight-bearing movement, enhances neuromuscular coordination and promotes greater muscle protein synthesis. Activities such as functional movement exercises help maintain strength and improve balance, which reduces the risk of falls and injuries.
Even gentle activity is valuable for older adults, but a structured routine that includes strength training at least twice a week can bring greater benefits. Maintaining activity also supports cardiovascular health, metabolic function, and overall wellbeing, all key contributors to sustained muscle mass and functional independence.
Nutrition & Lifestyle Factors That Support Muscle Mass
Keeping muscles strong as you age isn’t just about movement, what you eat matters too. Adequate protein intake is especially important, as it provides the building blocks (amino acids) your body needs to repair and grow muscle. Older adults may experience anabolic resistance, meaning their muscles are less responsive to protein intake, so consuming sufficient, high-quality protein from sources like lean meats, dairy, and plant-based foods helps counteract this effect.
Other lifestyle factors also contribute. Staying well-hydrated supports metabolic processes, while consistent sleep helps regulate hormones such as growth hormone and testosterone that influence muscle renewal. Nutrition that’s rich in antioxidants and low in excessive sugars and unhealthy fats can reduce inflammation and improve recovery after exercise.
How Innovative Technology Can Support Muscle Preservation
Traditional strength training can sometimes be challenging or even risky for older adults or those with joint pain, balance issues or mobility limitations. This is where modern rehabilitation technologies like the AlterG® Anti-Gravity Treadmill can play a valuable role. By using patented Differential Air Pressure (DAP) technology, the AlterG reduces the effects of gravity on your body, allowing you to walk or run at a reduced effective body weight, often down to as low as 20% of your full weight.
This precise unweighting makes movement safer and more comfortable, especially for people with arthritic joints, pain, or weakness. It allows users to progressively increase weight-bearing as strength improves while maintaining a natural gait pattern. The result is a low-impact, joint-friendly way to stimulate muscles, maintain cardiovascular fitness, and engage in consistent activity that supports both strength and mobility throughout aging.
Boost Your Training with the AlterG NEO+
The AlterG NEO+ Anti-Gravity Treadmill builds on this technology to deliver an advanced solution for mobility, strength, and rehabilitation. Featuring a state-of-the-art touchscreen interface, motorised cockpit height adjustment, live video monitoring, and optional StrideSmart gait analytics, the NEO+ supports tailored training programs that match each user’s goals and abilities.
By allowing precise body-weight support in 1% increments, clinicians and users can progress training safely and effectively. Whether you’re focused on maintaining muscle mass, improving gait mechanics, or reducing joint stress while walking or running, the NEO+ provides real-time feedback and controlled progression. This makes it an excellent tool for aging adults committed to preserving strength, mobility, and confidence in movement. To know more about this exoskeleton device, visit our page now: https://bmec.asia/my/alterg/
More Information
- How To Keep From Losing Muscle Mass As You Age. AlterG, Inc. AlterG blog. https://alterg.com/treadmill-training-rehab/athletics/retain-muscle-mass
- AlterG® Anti-Gravity Treadmill™. AlterG, Inc. https://alterg.com/
- How Nutrition Affects Everyday Life. AlterG, Inc. https://alterg.com/treadmill-training-rehab/alterg-treadmill/how-nutrition-affects-everyday-life
Lifeward, Inc. / BMEC Pte Ltd