What type of activity is recommended for improving bone health in the elderly population?

Strength training is particularly recommended for improving bone health in the elderly population due to its ability to increase bone density and promote muscle strength. As people age, they naturally experience a decline in bone mass, which increases the risk of fractures and osteoporosis. Engaging in strength training exercises, which involve resistance, can stimulate bone formation and help reduce the rate of bone loss. This type of training places stress on the bones in a controlled manner, encouraging them to adapt and become stronger.

In contrast, while endurance training can improve overall cardiovascular fitness, it does not have the same direct impact on bone density as strength training. Yoga can be beneficial for flexibility, balance, and reducing falls, but its primary focus is not on the type of load-bearing exercises that directly strengthen bones. Mixed martial arts, while potentially engaging and physically demanding, may not provide the consistent resistance training that is most effective for enhancing bone strength in older adults.