Can a sixty-year-old build muscles through resistence exercises and protein supplement ?

Question

At sixty plus it is understood that one no longer has growth hormones. I am lifting weights for health but would like to put on some muscles. Would appreciate some in-put from Senior Body-Builders out there.

Answer 1

As a 63 year old and someone who used to work as an RN I can share some things. You never get too old to build muscles by lifting weights. Growth hormone is not needed to increase muscle size. Muscles get larger by doing exersize that causes
micro tears in the muscle fibers and resting those muscles for at least 1 day (resting means not lifting weights or doing whatever
you're doing to build the muscles). The muscle fibers respond after the micro tears by growing 2 new muscle fibers for every one that was torn. Of course as you know, a person must increase the resistance gradually.

As to taking testosterone replacement. Ask your doctor. I have problems with my muscles and I know that testosterone aids in muscle function. He did blood levels and found that my testosterone level was low. He prescribed and I've been taking testosterone to bring my levels up to normal. I use the gel and it is easy and convenient.

It is true that taking testosterone suppresses the production of testosterone by the testicles, but so what? If they are not producing enough now and the supplement brings the blood level up to normal, that's what a person wants. I'm not trying to sugest that your level is low, I'm just responding to a previous answer. The other thing is that testosterone suppliments do not cause the penis to shrink. They may cause some reduction in the size of the testicles.

The nutritionists I've talked to say that protein suppliments are not needed to build muscle. That the important thing is to eat a balanced, nutritious diet which includes the recommended amount of complete protein.

I admire your working with weights. maybe it will inspire me to do the same!