Researchers at Deakin University, Melbourne, Australia have found that a protein rich diet incorporating lean red meat combined with strength training improved the size and strength of muscles in elderly women.

The research, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition indicate the study’s results show that the combination of red meat and strength training could be the key to reducing the impact that age-related muscle loss has on the risk of falls and the ability of the elderly to undertake day-to-day activities such as getting out of a chair.

“Loss of muscle and cognitive function (ie memory, speech, ability to learn new information) are the two most common consequences of ageing and are linked to the decline in everyday functional abilities and increased falls risk as well as the progression to other chronic diseases, such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease,” explained Researcher, Robin Daly.

“Given the results of this study, we believe that eating the recommended 3-4 servings of lean red meat a week combined with a strength training program could well be the key to keeping our body and mind in peak condition.

“It is no secret that we are living longer and that this is placing an increased burden on society in many ways, including the healthcare system.

With the current scrutiny on our healthcare system’s ability to cope with ever increasing demand, it is more important than ever that we look at ways to maintain our physical and mental health for as long as possible.

“If the results of our new study are as positive as we hope, this protein/exercise combination could provide the greatest benefits in terms of ensuring that older adults can live independently and relatively disease and disability-free into old age.”

Source: The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/early/2014/01/29/ajcn.113.064154.abstract?sid=f3ef77d1-e97f-4bf2-b5a4-22f2ed04b916