Aging and exercise: Loss of muscle mass and bone density can be reversed

“Sarcopenia is the term for muscle wasting and that means loss of muscle and bone,” said Kuehl. “We lose about one percent of our muscle and bone mass a year after age 30. So between 30 and 40 we lose about 10 percent of our lean body mass. That triples when we’re 70.”

That loss can lead to an increase in hip fractures, falls and premature death.

The best way to slow the process and reverse it is strength training, Kuehl said.