Prescribing and developing strength training programs for older adults by Wayne T. Phillips, Ph.D., FACSM

In research publications, scientists increasingly report the safety and importance of strength training for older adults. Although this information is beginning to appear in the professional and lay press, it is slow in percolating down to the target population of older adults. National surveys show that less than 10% of people ages 65 years or older routinely engage in activities designed to maintain or increase strength. In individuals ages 75 and above, these numbers are even lower (Surgeon General's Report, 1996).