If keeping fit seems to be getting harder as you get older, that's because it is, especially for older women.

U.S. and British researchers have found that women between the ages of 65 and 80 have more difficulty than men replacing muscle that's lost naturally during the aging process.

In this age range, women are less able to use protein to build muscle. That difference between the sexes doesn't occur at younger ages, though, which makes researchers suspect menopause-related hormone changes as a probable culprit.

This study is the first to illustrate a biological difference in muscle loss between men and women.

To compensate, older women should make sure to eat plenty of protein-rich foods (eggs, fish, chicken and lean red meat). That doesn't mean they need to eat more, the study said, but rather eat a higher proportion of protein.

It's also important that older women lift weights, for the good of both their muscles and their bones.

Maintaining muscle mass is not just a matter of looking good, the researchers said. It's also a matter of safety, by helping to reduce falls, a major cause of injury and death in older adults.

Meetings for caregivers

More than 44 million Americans care for an aging relative or friend. And 29 million of them are doing that while also holding down a job.

Such demands can take a toll on emotions, finances and job performances.

A free conference from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 19 will offer tips to caregivers, including such topics as Monitoring Your Parents' Medications, Stress Relievers for Caregivers, To Drive or Not to Drive, How to
Plan for Nursing Home Care, Starting Difficult Discussions, and Safety at Home: Home Modifications.

Hosted by PBS Channels 45/49, Summa Health System and the Area Agency on Aging, the conference will be held at Summa's Professional Center South, 55 Arch St., Akron.

To register, visit http://www.pbs4549.org/caringforyourparents or call 800-554-4549.

Kick smoking habit

The Summit County Tobacco Prevention Coalition will be offering two five-week sessions of free quit-smoking classes this month.

One course begins tonight at Barberton Hospital, Summa Health System, from 6 to 8 p.m. The second course begins April 23 at St. Thomas Hospital, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Registration is available at http://www.smoke-freecommunity.org or by calling 330-861-7179.

Class participants may be eligible to receive quit-smoking medications such as Chantix, the nicotine patch, gum or lozenges at a reduced cost.