In the realm of self-care, maintaining muscle mass might be the most selfless gift you can give yourself and your loved ones. Often associated with athleticism or appearance, muscle maintenance is increasingly recognized as essential to long-term independence and cognitive health.

Recent studies show a strong connection between lean body mass and reduced risk of age-related diseases, including Alzheimer’s and dementia. This research shifts resistance training from a fitness trend to a crucial part of a healthy aging plan. The evidence is clear: individuals who retain muscle mass as they age experience better health outcomes across the board.

But the most compelling reason for building muscle is about more than personal health, it’s about preserving independence. Simple tasks—carrying groceries, climbing stairs or getting up from a chair—require a baseline of muscle strength, which tends to decline with age. Regular resistance training is like an investment in self-sufficiency, allowing older adults to perform daily tasks without needing extra help.

Choosing to stay strong isn’t just about personal benefit, it’s a way to reduce the burden on family members or caregivers. Maintaining physical abilities through consistent strength training helps decrease the likelihood of becoming dependent on others for basic care, reducing the potential physical and emotional strain on loved ones.

Incorporating resistance training into a self-care routine isn’t vanity; it’s a responsibility. It’s an investment in future independence and cognitive health—perhaps one of the most selfless forms of self-care a person can practice.