Sarcopenia is a condition where muscle mass and strength is lost as you get older.
This can cause significant reduction in a person’s strength, which can also affect gait and balance, causing difficulty climbing stairs and lifting objects.
The condition is estimated to affect 4.6 per cent of men and 7.9 per cent of women with an average age of 67 years, according to research published in the journal Age and Ageing.
Muscle mass starts to decline from the age of 30 years, and it is estimated people will lose three to eight per cent of muscle mass per decade.
It has long been thought to be an inevitable part of the ageing process.
However, according to the International Osteoporosis Foundation, scientists have recently been researching whether it is possible to slow loss of muscle mass and strength.
While sarcopenia is most commonly seen in inactive people, it also affects those who are physically active throughout their life.
At the moment experts believe age-related factors that cause sarcopenia include hormone levels changing, protein requirements alter, motor neurone die and we tend to become more sedentary.
Additionally, poor nutrition, such as a lack of vitamin D, is thought to play a part.
The condition is associated with serious health issues, including frailty, disability, morbidity and mortality.
These are five main symptoms of the condition.
Muscle size
People may begin to notice a decrease in muscle size.
Unlike some other symptoms, it can be physical indicator of the condition.
Weakness
Feeling weak is another sign.
This can increase people’s risk of falling.
Endurance
Losing endurance – or stamina – is another indicator.
Physical endurance is important for being able to do everyday activities.
Balance
Experiencing poor balance can be a sign of sarcopenia.
This can lead to a person avoiding physical activities, which in turn can speed up muscle loss.
Stairs
Issues climbing stairs can also be caused by the condition.
In the elderly, having sarcopenia can raise risk of falling.
Research by the University of Southampton has linked muscle loss with increased fractures and falls.