All things being equal, the stronger athlete wins.
“PHYSICAL STRENGTH IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IN LIFE. THIS IS TRUE WHETHER WE WANT IT TO BE OR NOT.” -Mark Rippetoe
This cannot be overemphasized.
Even if you run, ride a bike, work in your garden, work hard at your job, play varsity sports, play recreational sports, play with the kids, or make a sport out of your retirement, you get as much out of the preparation for these activities as you put into them.
Increased strength will make you faster, tougher, more powerful, more agile, better coordinated, improve balanced, and more injury-proof. Increasing strength also improves your endurance, your body composition, your bone density, and your overall health – and it does so irrespective of your age.
If you’re not getting stronger, it’s time to start getting that way.