Human physical health reaches its peak at around the age of 35, after which a gradual decline in physical abilities begins—regardless of whether a person engages in sports or not. This was reported by Maria Westerståhl, a researcher at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden. The expert was quoted by Science Alert.

According to the scientist, previous studies involving professional athletes had already shown that even with regular training, peak physical performance most often occurs around the age of 30. This suggested that the mechanisms of age-related muscle loss are activated long before they become clinically noticeable. The new study made it possible to identify this turning point more precisely.

The research used data from the longitudinal Swedish Physical Activity and Fitness (SAF) project, which has been ongoing since 1974. Within the framework of the study, scientists tracked changes in the health status of Swedish residents starting from adolescence. Strength and physical fitness indicators of the same participants were measured at ages 16, 27, 34, 52, and 63.

The analysis showed that physical capacity reaches its maximum at around 35 years of age, after which gradual deterioration and a decline in muscle strength begin. This process is linked to natural aging and the gradual reduction of muscle mass, which in some people becomes particularly noticeable after the age of 60 and may limit mobility.

At the same time, the study revealed an encouraging finding. Participants who began engaging in regular physical activity already in adulthood were able to improve their performance by about 10%. While exercise cannot completely stop age-related changes, it can significantly slow them down.

“It is never too late to start moving. Physical activity can reduce the rate of muscle strength loss, even if it cannot fully prevent it,” Westerståhl emphasized.