Welcome to Healthy Aging Month! A time to highlight how the choices we make today directly shape the way we’ll live tomorrow. Aging is inevitable, but how we age is something we can influence. And the science is clear: strength is the foundation of healthy aging.

Why Healthy Aging Matters 

We are living longer than ever before. According to the United Nations, by 2050 1 in 6 people worldwide will be over the age of 65 (UN, 2020). While this is a milestone to celebrate, it also raises an important question: how can we ensure those extra years are spent feeling strong, independent, vibrant and not limited by preventable health issues? 

The reality is that aging often brings challenges such as sarcopenia (the gradual loss of muscle mass), reduced mobility, metabolic changes, and hormonal shifts. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), sarcopenia affects nearly one in three adults over the age of 60 and is a leading cause of frailty, falls, and loss of independence. These factors also increase the risk of chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis.

But aging well is not just about avoiding illness, it’s about staying active, mobile, and engaged in the things we love. That’s where strength comes in. Maintaining muscle mass is the single most effective way to protect independence, metabolic health, and overall vitality as we age.

The Role of Skeletal Muscle in Healthy Aging 

As we grow older, our bodies naturally lose muscle mass and strength, a process that can begin as early as our 30s. Left unchecked, this decline impacts more than just physical performance. Preserving skeletal muscle improves: 

  • Metabolic health – more muscle means better blood sugar regulation and reduced risk of chronic disease.
  • Balance and stability – helping to prevent falls and injuries.
  • Hormonal support – muscle tissue helps regulate key hormones tied to energy, recovery, and vitality.
  • Longevity – according to multiple studies, higher muscle mass is consistently linked to a longer, healthier life.

Muscle isn’t just for athletes — it’s the key to thriving at every age.

Tracking What Matters with Evolt 

You can’t manage what you don’t measure. That’s why the Evolt 360 Body Health Scanner is such a powerful tool for healthy aging. Unlike a standard scale, Evolt goes deeper, providing a full picture of your muscle quality, metabolic health, and functional fitness.

Key insights include:

  • Skeletal Muscle Mass – the #1 metric for strength and longevity.
  • Visceral Fat Levels – a marker for metabolic and cardiovascular health.
  • Segmental Analysis – showing balance across arms, legs, and trunk for mobility and stability.
  • Bio Age – a snapshot of how your body’s functional health compares to your actual age.

With this data, individuals can make informed decisions, and fitness professionals can design programs that truly support long-term health and independence. 

The Takeaway 

Healthy aging matters because it’s about more than just adding years to life, it’s about adding life to years. By prioritizing strength, preserving muscle, and tracking the metrics that matter, we can ensure the future isn’t just longer, but stronger. 

This month, we’ll explore the science, strategies, and stories that prove why strength is the key to aging well.

References 

  • National Institute on Aging / NIH. (2021). Sarcopenia, muscle mass, and aging. Retrieved from https://www.nia.nih.gov 
  • Cruz-Jentoft, A. J., & Sayer, A. A. (2019). Sarcopenia. The Lancet, 393(10191), 2636–2646. 
  • Wolfe, R. R. (2006). The underappreciated role of muscle in health and disease. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 84(3), 475–482.