Athletes aren’t the only individuals who may benefit from protein intakes that exceed the RDA. A higher protein intake for adults older than 65 or 70 years appears to be of benefit in maintaining a healthy body weight and protecting against frailty. Because of decreases in physical activity and a number of other factors, most elderly individuals experience a loss of lean body mass, primarily from skeletal muscle. This decline is of particular concern in the elderly as the loss of lean body mass is associated with a high risk of disability and death. A number of studies demonstrate that slightly higher protein intakes (approximately 1.2 g/kg/d) in adults older than 65 years can effectively reduce this loss of lean body mass, improve functionality, and reduce the risk of disability and death, particularly when combined with a resistance training program. However, recent research indicates that for middle-