What is Sarcopenia, and What Impact Does it Have on Seniors?

As you get older, you may begin to notice changes in your ability to perform everyday tasks that specifically require your strength and balance. More often than not this is a sign of Sarcopenia, a condition that affects most American seniors through loss of skeletal muscle. While this can be a natural part of aging, since it affects all individuals over the age of 60, with muscle loss of 1% in people who do not exercise; and these numbers double every decade. But, just because Sarcopenia regularly occurs doesn’t mean that seniors need to accept and live with it; through some simple exercises, it’s possible to prevent the muscle degeneration and improve overall health.

• Resistance Training – resistance training like lifting weights or using a resistance band can be one of the most important ways to improve the effects and prevent the degeneration that comes with Sarcopenia. Lifting light weights a few times a week, can increase muscular strength, decrease bone loss, increases the metabolism and improves balance

• Aerobic Exercise – aerobic exercise is necessary a few times per week, it has cardiovascular benefits as well as benefits to the muscular systems. Whether it’s walking, jogging, swimming or another cardiovascular activity, seniors can slowly introduce it into their routine, until the can increase the frequency and duration

• Stretching – stretching can not only help build muscular strength, it also improves muscular flexibility. Stretching before physical activity is crucial, but it can also be part of a separate exercise program, like Yoga.

Sources:

1. Suite101

2. Ezine Articles