Strength and functional characteristics of men and women 65 years and older.

Background: Resistance training programs for older adults (>65 years) are an effective method to counteract the loss of muscle mass, strength, and function associated with aging. Nevertheless, limited normative strength and functional data exist for the comparison and stratification of older adults. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to establish normative strength and functional data for males and females 64-69 years, 70-74 years, and 75+ years old, using commonly available equipment and procedures.