Sarcopenia Can Cause Falls and Mobility Problems, Diet and Exercise Can Help

As we age, many of us may experience decreased hormone secretion, reduced physical activity, and a lack of nutrients in our diets, which accelerates the loss of muscle mass. Dmytro Zinkevych/Shutterstock

As we age, many of us may experience decreased hormone secretion, reduced physical activity, and a lack of nutrients in our diets, which accelerates the loss of muscle mass. When a person loses too much muscle, sarcopenia sets in.

Sarcopenia is characterized by a degenerative loss of skeletal muscle mass that reduces daily function. People with sarcopenia are more prone to falling and lack the strength to get up from sitting or to move around. Walking slowly is also a symptom of sarcopenia.

The Risk of Sarcopenia

Sarcopenia causes muscle strength decline, affects mobility and quality of life, and increases the risk of chronic diseases, cognitive impairment, and even death.