1. As we grow older, exercise and maintaining fitness levels becomes more and more important due to natural degenerative change in our joints, tendons, ligaments, muscles and general soft tissue structures in our bodies.
2. During our 30s we begin to lose muscle mass and function. This ageing related condition is known as sarcopenia.
3. Physically active people may lose between 3-5% of their muscle mass and tone each decade after the age of 30. Despite being active, you will still have some muscle loss.
The rate of sarcopenia may significantly increase around the age of 65 or as late as 80 years. The average is around 75 years of age.
4. Researchers have identified numerous causes: ¹
- Reduced nerve cells sending messages from the brain to our muscles to initiate movement;
- Lower concentrations of hormones such as growth hormone, testosterone and insulin like growth factor;
- Reduced ability to turn protein into energy; and
- Insufficient calories or protein in our diet to maintain a healthy muscle mass.
5. The primary treatment for sarcopenia is exercise! More specifically, resistance or strength-based training which will also promote endurance. ²
