How much should you lift and eat for muscle after 60?
After 60, lift two to three times a week with full-body sessions of 6–8 exercises, 2–3 sets of 8–12 repetitions, and eat 1.0–1.2 g of protein per kg of body weight a day, with 25–30 g at each of three meals. For a 70 kg person that is 70–84 g a day. Get medical clearance first if you have heart disease or osteoporosis.
- Two to three full-body resistance sessions a week, 2–3 sets of 8–12 repetitions, is a sound starting programme after 60.
- PROT-AGE recommends 1.0–1.2 g/kg/day protein, with 25–30 g per meal.
- A 75 kg person needs about 75–90 g of protein a day at 1.0–1.2 g/kg.
- Creatine at 3–5 g a day with training adds lean mass and strength in older adults (2017 meta-analysis).
- Pure Natural Options Creatine costs about R2.22 per 5 g (R222 for 500 g, Knysna Health via PriceCheck, October 2026).
How much should you lift and eat for muscle after 60?
Aim for two to three full-body resistance sessions a week and 1.0–1.2 g of protein per kg of body weight a day, spread over at least three meals. This pairing preserves and can rebuild muscle; protein or exercise alone does less.
What does a weekly plan look like?
| Day | Session |
|---|---|
| Monday | Full-body strength (45–60 min) |
| Tuesday | 30–45 min walk or easy cycle |
| Wednesday | Rest or balance and mobility |
| Thursday | Full-body strength |
| Friday | Walk, swim or easy cycle |
| Saturday | Optional third strength session or sport |
| Sunday | Rest |
Each strength session should cover a squat or sit-to-stand, a hip hinge (such as a Romanian deadlift or hip raise), a push (press or incline push-up), a pull (row), a loaded carry, and core or balance work. Do 2–3 sets of 8–12 repetitions, finishing with 2–3 repetitions in reserve, and add small increments each week. Include balance work to reduce falls. The WHO recommends muscle-strengthening on at least two days a week for adults and multicomponent balance and strength training for older adults. A biokineticist or physiotherapist can tailor this.
How much protein, and when?
The PROT-AGE group recommends 1.0–1.2 g/kg/day for healthy older adults, with 25–30 g per meal to reach roughly 3 g of leucine. For a 75 kg person, that is 75–90 g a day:
- Breakfast: three eggs and Greek yoghurt, or a whey shake with milk (25–30 g).
- Lunch: a palm-sized portion of chicken, fish or lean beef, or pilchards on toast (25–30 g).
- Supper: meat, fish or a legume-and-dairy dish (25–30 g).
- Optional: a casein or yoghurt snack before bed (30–40 g in studies).
Protein after a session is convenient, but total daily intake and even spacing matter more than a narrow post-workout window. See how much protein do older adults need.
Do supplements help?
Whey isolate fills gaps; creatine at 3–5 g a day adds a modest gain in lean mass and strength when combined with training (2017 meta-analysis). October 2026 examples: USN Isozero 805 g, R899–R910 at the USN shop (20 g protein per 23 g scoop); Primal Whey Isolate 750 g, R700 at Dis-Chem Living Fit (sucralose); Pure Natural Options Creatine 500 g, R222 (Knysna Health via PriceCheck), about R2.22 per 5 g. Compare options in our whey isolate comparison and creatine comparison, and see creatine for older adults.
What are the safety checks?
- Get medical clearance if you have heart disease, high blood pressure that is poorly controlled, osteoporosis, joint replacements or recent surgery.
- Learn technique first; start with light loads.
- Stop and seek help for chest pain, severe breathlessness or sharp joint pain.
- Do not increase protein or take creatine with kidney disease without medical advice.
What about sticking with it?
Track sessions in a notebook, train with a friend or at a gym with qualified instructors, and expect to feel stronger in 6–12 weeks. Read how to prevent muscle loss with age for the bigger picture.
When should you see a doctor?
See a doctor before starting a programme if you are unsure about your heart, bones or medicines. This is general information, not personal medical advice.
Products mentioned, with dated prices
| Product | Size | Price | R per 30 g protein | R per 100 g powder | R per 5 g | Sweeteners |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USN Isozero Whey Protein Isolate (805 g) | 805 g | R899-R909.99USN shop (za.usn.global), Oct 2026 | R38.53 | R111.68 | — | not stated |
| Primal Whey Isolate (750 g) | 750 g | R700Dis-Chem Living Fit, Oct 2026 | — | R93.33 | — | sucralose |
| NPL 100% Whey Protein Isolate (700 g) | 700 g | R900NPL shop (npl.za.com), Oct 2026 | R48.46 | R128.57 | — | sucralose |
| Pure Natural Options Creatine Monohydrate 100% 500 g | 500 g | R222Knysna Health (listing via PriceCheck), Oct 2026 | — | — | R2.22 | not stated |
| Nutritech Creatine Monohydrate 500 g | 500 g | R249.95-R399Wellness Warehouse (listing via PriceCheck), Oct 2026 | — | — | R2.50 | not stated |
Related questions
- How much protein do people over 60 need?
- How do you prevent muscle loss as you age?
- What is sarcopenia and can supplements help?
- Is creatine safe and useful for older adults?
- What is the best protein powder for seniors in South Africa?
Sources
- Bauer J et al. (2013) PROT-AGE Study Group position paper on dietary protein in older people. JAMDA
- ISSN Position Stand: Protein and Exercise (Jäger et al., JISSN 2017)
- Chilibeck et al. 2017, Creatine supplementation during resistance training in older adults: meta-analysis (OAJSM)
Educational information only, not medical advice. Speak to a doctor, pharmacist or registered dietitian before using supplements if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, under 18, taking medication, or living with kidney, liver or heart disease.
Cite this page: Healthnews24, “How much should you lift and eat for muscle after 60?”, updated 27 October 2026, https://www.healthnews24.co.za/answers/resistance-training-plus-protein-after-60/. Plain-text version: /answers/resistance-training-plus-protein-after-60.md