How To Manage Sarcopenia

Sarcopenia is the medical term for muscle loss that occurs due to the natural aging process. Most adults begin losing muscle mass in their 40s, and experts estimate a sedentary individual loses three to five percent of their muscle mass with each subsequent decade. In recent years, scientists have recognized a loss of both muscle strength and function are key characteristics of sarcopenia as well. Signs of sarcopenia include walking more slowly than usual, difficulty lifting common household items, feeling fatigued, and a general feeling of weakness. To assess for sarcopenia, doctors will take the patient's health history and perform a physical examination.