Starting weightlifting after age 50 can transform your physical and mental health, countering age-related decline and boosting quality of life. Strength training offers unique benefits for older adults, from preserving muscle mass to improving heart health, but it also requires caution to avoid injury. Here’s a breakdown of what happens to your body when you begin lifting weights after 50, backed by science, along with practical tips to get started safely. 1. Muscle Mass and Strength Increase What Happens: Aging leads to sarcopenia, a natural loss of muscle mass at a rate of 1–2% per year after 50. Weightlifting stimulates muscle protein synthesis, helping rebuild and maintain muscle. A 2023 Journal of Gerontology study found that adults over 50 who...