As people get older, their legs get weaker much faster than they lose muscle mass — so something else besides just losing muscle must be making them weaker.

Older people who start with less muscle in their legs, weaker legs, or are older in age tend to lose more leg strength over three years—even when you account for each factor on its own.

As people get older, men tend to lose leg strength about twice as fast as women each year.

Older Black adults tend to lose leg strength about 28% faster each year than older white adults, even when you account for things like diet, exercise, or health conditions.

Just because older people get stronger muscles doesn’t mean their legs get stronger — muscle size and leg strength don’t go hand in hand as we age.

After you turn 50, your legs and lower body get about 5% weaker each year — like losing a bit of strength in your thighs and calves every 12 months.