Health Tip

As people age, they naturally lose muscle mass, so it’s important to strength train to stay strong. If there’s only time for one exercise, do a set set of squats, experts say.

Squats strengthen all of the muscle groups in legs, including the calves, quadriceps, hamstrings and glutes, as well as muscles in the lower back and core. Those muscles provide the foundation for most activities of daily living, such as climbing a set of stairs and simply standing up from a chair.

Studies show a link between strong leg muscles and longevity. Healthy adults in their 70s and older who have a greater quadriceos strength had a lower risk of early death. Another study revealed that the ability to sit on the floor and then get up without using the hands or knees could predict one’s mortality.