Seniors have new reason to workout

July 30, 2009 A new study finds older people with low muscle mass are at a higher risk of ending up in the hospital. The research in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society looked specifically at muscle density, not just size.

Those seniors with low muscle mass had a 50 percent greater chance of ending up in the hospital, compared to their more muscular peers.

Strength training may be the answer, but researchers say more information is needed on whether it's really safe for those with health problems or disability.