Possessing greater muscle mass acts as an essential physiological reserve to better withstand stress and maintain health during aging.

noli's read

This advice aligns closely with the current scientific consensus in gerontology and exercise physiology. Stuart Phillips, being a renowned researcher in this field himself, draws on a vast body of literature showing that muscle mass is not merely aesthetic, but metabolically active. Meta-analyses (e.g., studies published in the 'Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle') confirm that muscle strength and lean mass are powerful predictors of longevity and resilience against chronic diseases. The concept of a 'reserve' is scientifically valid: in the event of illness or trauma, muscle protein reserves serve as a buffer to support the immune system and healing. There is no exaggeration here; the idea that frailty (as opposed to strength) is a major risk factor in seniors is robust data derived from large-scale observational studies. The link between fitness (cardiorespiratory capacity) and muscle strength as complementary pillars of health is also widely supported by research.

the sources

1. 1Wu Y, Wang W, Liu T, Zhang D 2017
2. 2Li R, Xia J, Zhang X, et al. 2018