DON'T WEIGHT TO BE STRONG

HOW ACTING EARLY WITH EXERCISE CAN HELP PREVENT SARCOPENIA

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AS we age, many people notice small changes that make them feel a little weaker or slower but they often don’t realise the cause is sarcopenia.

Lucy Macdonald, physiotherapist based in Surrey at Restart Physio, here explains what sarcopenia is and shares some tips on how to stay strong later in life.

What is sarcopenia?

“Age-related sarcopenia is the process by which muscles get weaker as you get older,” explains Lucy.

This condition is caused by a combination of factors, including the natural ageing process, physical inactivity and changes to hormonal levels.

“There are some factors, like hormonal changes, that people can't do anything about. For example, decreasing levels of testosterone in men and women as they get older can be a factor,” says Lucy. “But we are in control of our activity levels.

“A lot of people will reduce their activity levels, in part just because of general lifestyle but also sometimes because of fear of injury, and actually these things can significantly contribute to muscle wasting as well.”