Can pills help older people stay strong?
Antiaging agents: pharmacological therapy targeted at preserving skeletal muscle size and function in aging adults.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
Rapamycin may blunt strength gains from exercise despite improving muscle health overall.
Most people assume that combining a drug targeting aging with exercise would only help — not hinder — physical improvements.
Practical Takeaways
Older adults concerned about muscle loss should prioritize exercise, as it remains the most proven strategy.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
Rapamycin may blunt strength gains from exercise despite improving muscle health overall.
Most people assume that combining a drug targeting aging with exercise would only help — not hinder — physical improvements.
Practical Takeaways
Older adults concerned about muscle loss should prioritize exercise, as it remains the most proven strategy.
Publication
Journal
Current opinion in clinical nutrition and metabolic care
Year
2025
Authors
Jeremy R Pearson, Jenna M. Bartley, A. Ferrando, David D. Church
Related Content
Claims (3)
Some new medicines that aim to slow aging might help older people keep stronger muscles, but we don’t have enough proof yet to say for sure if they work.
Some medicines and supplements might help older people keep or build muscle, especially if they also exercise — but we’re not totally sure yet if combining them works better than just doing one or the other.
Taking medicine and doing exercise together might help older people, especially those losing muscle, feel stronger and live better — but we don’t have enough proof yet.