Previous clinical trials reported that a diet containing 1.5–1.6 g/kg/day of protein improved muscle mass without exercise compared with a diet containing 0.8–1.2 g/kg/day of protein in older adults, with a habitual protein intake of 0.8–1.1 g/kg/day [14,15].
But research indicates that protein requirements increase with age. Recommendations for how much protein is enough for older people vary, but current studies suggest that most people over age 65 should take in about 1 g to 1.2 g of protein/kg of body weight per day to both gain and maintain muscle mass and function.
Strength training is the secret to muscle growth for older adults. It's best to do this with light weights and to work slowly. Slow movements with lighter weights force your muscles to work harder. If you don't have a set of weights, you can use your body weight with resistance exercises like push-ups and squats.
Current guidelines for adults of any age recommend 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. To find out how much you need, multiply your weight in pounds by 0.36. Or use an online protein calculator. A 160-pound person would need 160 x 0.36 = 58 grams of protein a day.
Repeated research has shown that, through weight training, men and women in their 60s and beyond can grow muscles as big and strong as an average 40-year-old.
Most researchers advise training at least three times a week but not more than six. If you are using resistance-training equipment, then allow for a two-minute rest period between each machine. Training the low back muscles once a week seems to be just as effective as doing it more often.
Whey protein offers the most benefits for older adults, but you likely won't notice any dramatic differences as long as you eat plenty of protein overall. The overall best protein powder for men and women over 50 is whey protein. The best plant-based alternative, if you avoid dairy, is soy protein.
With lower fat and therefore lower calorie content, lean meat is an excellent source of protein for seniors. The USDA defines lean as having less than 10 grams of fat and 4.5 grams or less of saturated fat per 3.5 ounce (100-gram) serving.
Whey Protein Shakes May Help Build Muscle Mass in Seniors. Researchers say protein shakes combined with exercises showed significant health benefits in a group of men over the age of 70. Senior citizens may want to take a tip from body builders and make whey protein shakes a regular part of their diets.
It's Never Too Late to Build Muscle
Though you might not see improvement in days, you likely will in weeks. For example, one German review found measurable increases in muscle size occur in as little as six to nine weeks of consistent strength training in adults older than 60.
Typically, muscle mass and strength increase steadily from birth and reach their peak at around 30 to 35 years of age. After that, muscle power and performance decline slowly and linearly at first, and then faster after age 65 for women and 70 for men.
Focus on Compound Exercises
Building muscle after 60 isn't difficult if you know what to do in the gym. Not all exercises are created equal. Squats, bench presses, pullups, pushups, dead lifts, lunges and other compound movements yield the best results in terms of hypertrophy.
Gaining Muscle Mass by Lifting Weights
Resistance exercise like weight training is one of the best ways of reversing the loss of muscle mass as you age. It benefits both men and women. Both groups typically lose muscle mass because levels of testosterone or estrogen go down as you age.
To increase muscle mass in conjunction with regular exercise, the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommends that a person eats between 1.2-1.7 g of protein per kg of body weight per day. For a 130-lb woman looking to gain muscle mass and strength, that's 71-100 g, and for a 150-lb man, that's 82-116 g.
So the current daily reference intake of protein is 50g, while the recommended dietary allowance suggests that you should eat a modest 0.8g of protein daily per kg of bodyweight. If you're not already aware, let us be the first to tell you: that's not enough to really pack on muscle.
An anti-aging protein called SIRT1, commonly known for being activated by red wine, has been shown to protect against age-related diseases, such as cancer, neurodegeneration, and cardiovascular disease. A study now reveals that it could also be targeted to rejuvenate cells in the immune system.
Whey protein is one of the most commonly used proteins and is best for day-to-day use. It contains all of the essential amino acids and is easily digested. It helps boost energy and can reduce stress levels. Whey isolates and concentrates are best to use after a workout.
Poor man's protein comes from the family Papilionaceae of the flowering plants. Also known as Fabaceae or Leguminosae, these are commonly referred to as the legume or the pea family and are economically very important.
Studies indicate that whey protein supplements promote protein synthesis in the elderly, improving muscle performance and aerobic capacity, protecting against sarcopenia and reducing the risk for falls.
Whey supplementation has been shown to help prevent the loss of muscle mass in aging individuals, inhibit weight gain, and reduce risk factors for cardiovascular disease. This potent protein helps prevent frailty, obesity, and heart disease, while promoting longevity.
Taking a high dose of creatine for a short period of time is considered safe for older adults. For example, two common dosages are: 20 grams per day for 7 days followed by 10 grams per day for 7 days. 20 grams per day for 10 days followed by 4 grams per day for 20 days.
Several groups have demonstrated that in older adults, short-term high-dose creatine supplementation, independent of exercise training, increases body mass, enhances fatigue resistance, increases muscle strength, and improves the performance of activities of daily living.