Ask Dr KK: Should people in their eighties build muscles?

Older people, even after the age of eighty, should exercise to build their muscles as it will help them with everyday tasks.

Climbing the stairs, housework, walking and even washing can be made easier if elderly people work out two or three times a week as per a study by Chiung-ju Liu of the Department of Occupational Therapy at Indiana University.

People lose muscle as they age, which can make daily chores more difficult. Working out by using small weights or elastic bands can help to rebuild these muscles.

 Dr K K Aggarwal is Padmashri and Dr B C Roy National Awardee, President Heart Care Foundation of India, Dean Board of Medical Education Moolchand Medcity, Sr. Physician & Cardiologist, Visiting professor Clinical Research DIPSAR, Past President Delhi Medical Association, Past Academic and Research Wing Head IMA, Chairman Ethics Committee Delhi Medical Council.