Why exercise must be a priority for women in midlife
Regular physical activity is essential for women in midlife to counteract hormonal shifts that trigger muscle loss.
Resistance exercise, such as lifting weights, is highly effective for maintaining strength during a person's 40s and 50s.
Exercise serves as a critical self-management strategy for women with disabilities, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), to improve daily function and quality of life.
Physiological changes in midlife
Muscle strength naturally declines after peaking around age 25.
Women experience a sharp drop in muscle health between the ages of 40 and 50, linked to the hormonal changes of menopause.
Maintaining muscle mass through exercise reduces disease risk, lowers fall frequency, and supports independence in older age.
Barriers to physical activity
Midlife women often reduce physical activity due to competing demands, including professional work and caring for children or aging parents.
Common barriers include time constraints, energy depletion, and a lack of confidence regarding where to start.
Exercise for women with disabilities
Multiple sclerosis (MS) predominantly affects women, often causing fatigue, balance issues, and muscle weakness.
Current evidence supports regular exercise—specifically aerobic, strength, and balance training—to manage MS symptoms.
Strategies such as pacing, cooling, and professional guidance from physiotherapists help overcome specific barriers like heat sensitivity and fatigue.
Promoting community-based solutions
Participation rates increase when women feel supported by family, peers, and inclusive community fitness spaces.
Recommended policy actions include training fitness staff to work with people with disabilities, co-designing programs to meet personal goals, and providing funding to subsidize gym memberships and professional training.
