09/26/2026
Research suggests that resistance training can help protect several systems affected by aging, including muscle, bones, brain function, and skin. Studies in older adults consistently show that resistance exercise improves muscle strength and can increase or preserve bone mineral density. A 2026 meta-analysis of 34 randomized trials involving 1,746 adults also found significant improvements in bone density at several skeletal sites.
The benefits may extend beyond muscle and bones. A 16-week study of 61 middle-aged women found that resistance training improved skin elasticity and dermal thickness, while researchers also observed changes in genes involved in the skin’s extracellular matrix. Other research has found improvements in cognitive function among older adults who participate in regular resistance training.
Taken together, the research suggests that lifting weights is one of the most effective forms of exercise for maintaining muscle, supporting bone health, and potentially benefiting brain and skin health as we age.
