The Fountain of Youth? Plyometrics and Longevity
Story at-a-glance
- Plyometric training, which includes jumping and hopping exercises, helps older adults improve muscle strength and balance, as well as bone density, reducing their risk of falls and fractures
- Older adults who engage in supervised plyometric exercises experience significant improvements in lower-body power, making everyday movements like standing up and walking safer and easier
- Even short-term plyometric training — lasting as little as four weeks — results in measurable gains in strength, agility and balance, with the most significant results seen in those who start with lower baseline strength
- Upping the intensity of exercise stimulates bone growth by triggering your body’s natural bone-building processes, making plyometric training an effective way to combat osteoporosis and maintain skeletal health
- When combined with resistance training, plyometric exercises provide the best overall benefits for muscle function and fall prevention, helping older adults maintain independence and mobility as they age
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