Want to stay strong after 50? Build strength

People turning 50 may want to consider tweaking their exercise routines because they face stiffer joints, slower recovery from injury and the loss of lean body mass among other perils as they age, fitness experts say.

Studies have shown that even a 90-year-old can build muscle, so the half-century mark is a good time to retire joint-stressing high jumps and to start lifting dumbbells to build strength.

Wayne Westcott, co-author of the book Strength Training Past 50, says maintaining lean body mass becomes harder with aging.