Mitochondrial dysfunction characterized by cristae disorganization and excessive ROS contributes to age-related sarcopenia. Here we demonstrate that the cardiolipin-binding peptide SS-31 (elamipretide) administered to aged mice for 8 weeks restored mitochondrial ATP generation capacity, normalized complex I/III electron flux, reduced protein carbonyl oxidation by 45%, and significantly restored in vivo muscle contractile force and endurance.