sarcopenia
Which is?
Sarcopenia is defined as a disease characterized by progressive and generalized loss of skeletal muscle mass, and its function (loss of strength and / or deterioration of physical performance), associated with aging, which leads to an increased risk of less successful results , namely, functional limitation, low quality of life and early death.
In general, sarcopenia appears from the age of 45 in men and from 55 years in women, worsening from year to year. It is important to note that this disease can also affect young people, however it has a higher prevalence in elderly people.
Risk factors for sarcopenia include age, sex and level of physical activity. As you get older, lean body mass is lost, while fat mass can be preserved or even increased. The loss of muscle mass may be associated with an increase in body fat, so that, despite normal weight, there is marked weakness, this is a condition called sarcopenic obesity.
It should be important to prevent or delay, as far as possible, the onset of this condition, improve the quality of life and reduce the demand for long-term care. Interventions for sarcopenia need to be developed with more attention to exercise and nutritional interventions.
There is an important correlation between inactivity and loss of mass and muscle strength, which suggests that physical activity should be a protective factor for the prevention of sarcopenia.
It is important to mention that this disease can only be fought through strength training. Strength training is extremely important, especially in the elderly, as these help to reduce the effects of aging, contributing to an improvement in neuromuscular function. Systematic strength training can increase strength levels in the elderly as well as decrease losses.
Initially, the strengthening of ligaments and tendons as well as the gain of joint mobility and flexibility is critical to later begin strength training.
​
The loss of flexibility in tendons and ligaments is due to a deficit in collagen which makes them thicker and less flexible and the degradation of fibrous connective tissue that replaces muscle fibers with fibrosis.
​
To conclude, I strongly recommend hiring a professional to accompany you and plan a job to improve your quality of life if you have contracted this disease. Losses will be inevitable, however, you can reduce them through physical exercise and adequate nutrition.
​
I hope I have clarified all doubts regarding this disease, however do not hesitate to contact me for any further clarification!