Skeletal muscle mitochondria are key targets for interventions that can attenuate age-related declines in muscle mass and physical function.

Exercise training counteracts many of the deleterious effects of ageing on skeletal muscle mitochondria. However, complementary interventions are needed as many older adults fail to meet physical activity guidelines.

Several supplements, including MitoQ, urolithin A, n-3 PUFAs and GlyNAC improve physical function in older individuals through mechanisms involving mitochondria, including increases in mitochondrial biogenesis and bioenergetics, decreases in mitochondrial ROS emission and oxidative damage, and improvements in mitochondrial quality control.