When we are young we have the metabolism or engine power of a grunty V8 but in the latter stages of our life our engine size could be compared with that of a motor scooter. This is not just a process of aging but a process of us slowing down as we get older. After all we have always been told we should grow old "gracefully".

The rate of metabolism is determined by how much muscle mass you have. The more muscle mass you have, the more calories or fuel you burn every minute of the day regardless of what activity you are doing. Your muscle strength is a basic component of health, fitness and wellness and is crucial for the performance of everyday activities and recreational pursuits. In older adults muscular strength is considered to be the most important health related element of physical fitness.

As we get older, unless we take care of our muscles to keep them active and strong, they lose mass, get weaker and affect and slow our metabolism.

In an inactive person the rate that we lose this muscle mass is as much as 15% after age 50 up to age 70. Then after age 70, this process accelerates to 30% each decade.

So what does a slower metabolic rate mean to us? As muscles burn most of the calories your body uses and is the body's most active tissue when muscle mass diminishes metabolism is altered and many consequences result. It becomes easier to put on extra body fat especially in the abdominal area and the possibility of becoming obese increases.

This can lead to impaired glucose tolerance which is the inability of the body to efficiently control blood sugar levels. This condition can lead to diabetes and so called metabolic syndrome with its associated disorders. The increase in body fat also increases the risk for chronic conditions like cancer and heart disease and can lead to a reduction in the quality of life.

Muscle loss causes accelerated aging syndrome which leaves you feeling old and tired long before your time. If you have an expanding waistline, shrinking muscles and fitness, lack energy and enthusiasm for life, and are tired all the time you need to seriously get started on an exercise program that will rebuild lost strength.

A strength training program is what is needed along with some cardio interval training, so join your local gym and take advantage of expert instruction and supervision so you can turn this situation around as quickly as possible. You are lucky, with the knowledge we now have you get a second chance. In just a couple of months of a proper strength training program you can reverse several decades of muscle loss.

Do not allow the old idea that we must slow down as we get older. Inactivity and a sedentary lifestyle will erode your health and mobility and land you in a nursing home unless you take steps to stay strong and fit throughout your life. Increased muscle mass is the best retirement insurance to protect your future.