No. Research shows adults in their eighties and nineties gain muscle strength from resistance training, including people living in residential aged care. The starting point changes with age, not the response. Your exercise physiologist begins at a level you can complete safely, often seated or with support, then adds load gradually as you adapt.

Australia’s physical activity guidelines recommend older adults aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity on most days, plus strength and balance activities. That is a target to build towards, not a starting line. If you are managing 10 minutes now, your program will build from there in steps your body can absorb.

Usually the opposite. Strengthening the muscles around an arthritic joint reduces the load going through the joint surface, and movement helps maintain cartilage health. Some muscle soreness for a day or two after a session is normal. Sharp joint pain during an exercise is not, and your exercise physiologist will change the movement if it happens.

Yes. Home-based programs use bands, light weights and household furniture, and can be reviewed by telehealth between visits. Some funding types, including NDIS and DVA, may cover home visits. Home programs work best when someone checks your technique and increases the difficulty regularly, so progress does not stall.

Yes. Programs are adapted to seated, supported or partial weight-bearing positions, and upper body and core training can be done entirely from a chair. Bring your usual mobility aid to your appointment so your exercise physiologist can see how you move with it and prescribe around it.

Often, yes. Regular activity is linked to better sleep quality, improved mood and reduced fatigue in older adults, partly through better cardiovascular fitness and partly through routine and social contact. Many people notice these changes before they see measurable strength gains, which helps with sticking to the program.