Being stronger means you’re likely to live longer, new study finds

The Washington Post reports on a study led by Michael LaMonte that found that strength turned out to be a key, and singular, contributor to longer lives in women aged 63 to 99. The results “were a bit of a surprise,” LaMonte told The Post. “Strength should be considered” alongside aerobic exercise as essential for longevity, LaMonte said. Strength training and endurance exercise, like walking or jogging, have distinct physiological effects, he said, prompting differing changes to our muscles and cells. Together, these effects probably offer our best chance of prolonged health and greater longevity. So, he said, “do both.”