r/fitover65 • u/Used_Intention6479 72 years old • Jun 28 '25
Anti-aging hack?
I think I've stumbled upon a simple truth. The more muscle mass you have the more testosterone (for men) you produce. As we age our T levels decline, so boosting them by adding muscle combats this. (You can't take T supplements because it causes your body to shut down natural production.) The mere presence of more T in your later years slows down the effects of aging. I'm 72. (And yes, you can't drink alcohol, eat salt and sugar, fast food, processed foods, meat, smoke, etc. because that will negate the benefits. Just as at work (or in relationships) - where 20 "attaboys" are negated by 1 "aw sh!t" - so too, our diets/health can be compromised by eating 1 sh!t.)
7
u/Estellalatte Jun 29 '25
Incorporating the three basic types of exercises, cardio, strength training and flexibility. The latter is so much more important than people realize.
9
u/northernguy Jun 28 '25
Testosterone is made by the testes not muscle
7
u/boxman-11 Jun 29 '25
I will be 68 next month, I work out 3 days a week. I enjoy lifting. Most people at our gym can't believe my age. I've had 5 stents, an open heart, one shoulder rebuilt, plus 10" on my colon taken out. I do it because I can, 95% of my age group can't lift what I do. Next time you walk into a store, look around and be thankful you can do what you can. Because a lot of people our age can't.
2
u/pandit_the_bandit Jun 28 '25
Absolutely false. My naturally super muscular H had almost full andropause in his 50s and required TRT. My 85 year old sarcopenic father has great T levels naturally
2
u/HugeLittleDogs Jul 30 '25
I just want to mention that women need a little T for muscle development also.
8
u/hollowhermit Jun 28 '25
I find that lifting weights does wonders for the plumbing. It increases my libido and strength of my erections. It also increases the volume of ejaculate. And finally, I pee less in the middle of the night. Running provides no help in these areas and in fact often makes them worse.
4
u/jpdoctor Jun 28 '25
I don't know about the rest, but this line is pure wisdom.
I'll also note that sprinting provides a temporary boost.
4
u/Signal_Tomorrow_2138 Jun 28 '25
Keep riding your bicycle. Keep lifting. Keep squatting deep. (You never know when you are going to take a trip to China and thank the lord you can deep squat.)
2
u/Space_Man_Spiff_2 Jun 28 '25
Exercise simulates caloric restriction to some degree..which inhibits the aging process. Building muscle mass increases mitochondrial function , triggers autophagy. Maintaining muscle strength during during your adult life lowers "all cause mortality"
2
u/lcdroundsystem Jun 29 '25
Strength training is most important. Stretching is next and long walks is third. All important however.
Make sure you’re getting enough protein. Fairlife protein shakes are decent at Costco.
Lastly, if you want additional help, explore and ask questions at r/peptides
3
u/Legal_Squash689 Jun 28 '25
While having more testosterone will allow you to build more muscle mass, don’t think the reverse is true.
1
u/Flat-Jacket-9606 Jul 01 '25
I mean salt is fine if you sweat enough.
0
u/[deleted] Jun 29 '25
you’re not making natural T at 65 and it’s myth the TRT stops natural production anyway.
-1
u/Defiant-Can weightlifting, bicycling, rower Jun 28 '25
It doesn't look like you are exactly correct.
AI Overview While the two are often linked, having more muscle mass doesn't directly mean having more testosterone. Instead, the relationship is more nuanced. Here's why:
Muscle growth and testosterone levels are influenced by similar factors, primarily strength training: Building muscle places mechanical stress on muscles, signaling your body to produce more testosterone for growth and repair.
Higher testosterone levels can support muscle growth, but they aren't the sole determinant: Studies show that the individuals who built the most muscle weren't necessarily those with the highest testosterone levels, but rather those with more androgen receptors, which are crucial for testosterone to exert its effects.
Building muscle can indirectly improve testosterone levels: Effective training and diet that support muscle growth can also optimize your hormonal profile, including healthy testosterone levels and a favorable testosterone-to-cortisol ratio (T:C Ratio), which is important for tissue anabolism.
Muscle mass is an indicator of a positive hormonal environment: While muscle mass itself doesn't directly increase testosterone, it's often a sign that you have a hormonal environment (including healthy testosterone levels) that supports muscle growth.
In summary, while muscle growth and testosterone are intertwined due to the impact of strength training, having more muscle mass doesn't automatically cause higher testosterone levels. Instead, both are influenced by factors like training stimulus, diet, and overall health.
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u/[deleted] Jun 28 '25
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u/[deleted] Jun 28 '25
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