Regular physical exercise combined with proper nutrition is the most effective way to overcome age-related frailty in older adults, according to a systematic review published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition.
Age-related frailty increases the risk of falls, disability, and hospitalizations among older people. Researchers analyzed 35 randomized clinical trials involving about 5,700 older adults to compare the effectiveness of physical exercise, dietary supplements, and comprehensive programs.
The analyzed programs combined physical workouts and nutrition, while some also included cognitive training and psychological support. Physical exercise provided the most consistent benefits, with strength and multicomponent workouts showing the greatest impact.
Exercise and Nutrition Benefits
These exercises improved muscle strength, walking speed, and physical endurance while reducing the severity of frailty. Dietary supplements alone produced limited results, but combined with workouts, they helped increase muscle mass and strength more effectively.
The study authors said age-related frailty is not an inevitable consequence of aging and can be corrected in many cases. They identified comprehensive programs that integrate physical activity, balanced nutrition, and cognitive function training as the most promising approach.
Earlier research also showed that regular physical activity slows cognitive decline in people with dementia.
