A very common symptom of aging for all humans is the gradual loss of skeletal muscle in the body, the consequences of which impact physical mobility and function.
What is Sarcopenia?
The gradual loss of skeletal muscle mass with age is called Sarcopenia. The condition generally begins at age 40. By age 80, loss of skeletal muscle can be about 50% of muscle mass (according to the Cleveland Clinic).
Since skeletal muscle is so fundamental to physical function and mobility, Sarcopenia can lead to loss of function to perform daily activities, overall mobility challenges, balance problems, and falls. Of course, other health conditions can also accelerate muscle loss alongside Sarcopenia, including hormonal changes and obesity.
Keeping the skeletal muscles healthy with age
The key ways to keep skeletal muscles healthy with age are consistent with keeping an overall healthy lifestyle:
- Regular exercise, including strength training and resistance workouts
- Keeping a nutritious, balanced diet in alignment with lifestyle needs
- Maintaining healthy body weight
- Building the habit of regular body stretches and warm-ups, especially before physical activity