Older adults who participate regularly in physical activity programs in their community can see noticeable improvement in upper- and lower-body strength, a new study finds. You’re never too old to get stronger.

Although past research has shown that exercising three to fives times per week for at least 30 minutes has many health benefits, more than 60% of older adults do not exercise so consistently.

The lead study author said that many barriers prevent older adults from reaching this goal.

“Some do not participate because they may not realize that exercise still provides benefits at older ages, some have chronic conditions that they worry could be made worse by exercise, and some can’t find a good program at a good price at a convenient location,” said Susan L. Hughes, DSW. She is with the Center for Research on Health and Aging at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

The study looked at whether attending an exercise program in the community would influence older adults’ exercise participation and provide other health benefits. The findings appear in the American Journal of Public Health.