Muscle can fade quietly. A few weeks of sitting more, recovering from an illness, avoiding stairs, or staying in bed can make standing up feel harder than it used to. The good news is that many older adults can rebuild strength, balance, and confidence with small, steady steps. This isn’t about becoming a gym person. It’s about getting back the strength needed for daily life: rising from a chair, walking to the mailbox, carrying groceries, stepping into the shower, or getting