If you scroll through social media, you will most likely see a lot of fitness-inspired content. Perhaps you see a girl or guy flexing in the mirror or demonstrating a workout routine you can do anywhere, any time. Other times, you might see a split screen that shows a person deadlifting in the gym with dumbbells on the left. On the right side, it may show an older person bending over to pick up groceries with ease. The caption may read, “I do this when I’m younger so I can do this when I’m older.”
That type of video is intended to inspire people to stay active throughout their lives. This form of “fitspo” speaks to the fact that not enough people practice resistance training as they get older. Engaging in resistance exercises can help keep your bones and muscles strong. Not to mention, it can help reduce the risk of sarcopenia.
What Is Sarcopenia?
Sarcopenia is characterized by a rapid loss of muscle mass and function. Researchers note that between 5% and 16% of people over the age of 65 are living with sarcopenia. Some health experts suggest that that is a low estimation. It can affect 20% of people by age 60, and 50% of people by age 80.
Because most people do not regularly test muscle health, knowing sarcopenia’s true presence is difficult. You cannot just look at someone and tell that they have sarcopenia, because different body types store muscle mass differently. You would need a couple advanced tests to determine changes in musculature. That is why experts stress the integration of more accessible tools for the average person. That is likely years and years away, though.
Is Sarcopenia Preventable?
Experts predict that sarcopenia will only become more common in the future. The reason for this prediction is due to the increasingly sedentary nature that is tied to technology. Additionally, the rapid increase in GLP-1 drugs, such as Ozempic, may indirectly cause a decline in muscle mass. Roughly 25% of patients who use GLP-1 drugs can expect to lose lean muscle mass in addition to fat, especially if they do not follow a healthy lifestyle.
Sarcopenia is relatively common, and may become more common in the future, but that does not mean it is inevitable. It is natural to lose a little less than 1% of lean muscle mass per starting at age 30. Experts note that you can fight this with the right habits. Continue reading to learn how to reduce your risk of sarcopenia as you age.
Eat High-Quality Protein At Every Meal
You cannot build or retain muscle if you do not consume protein. Protein requirements may vary depending on age and level of physical activity. Generally speaking, nutritionists suggest that people should consume 25-30 grams of protein at each meal to promote healthy muscles. Spacing out your protein can ensure that your body receives a steady source of amino acids, which are necessary for building muscle. Most Americans, however, tend to eat most of their protein at dinner. Great sources of protein include quinoa, legumes, pea protein, tempeh, tofu, wild caught fish, some vegetables, and whole grains.
Strength Train A Couple Times Per Week
Cardiovascular exercise benefits heart health and can improve circulation, but strength training is necessary to maintain muscle protein synthesis (new muscle growth). You can do resistance training with or without weights, for example, bodyweight squats, push-ups, pull-ups, etc. Ideally, experts encourage two to three days of resistance training per week to encourage optimal muscle strength and function. Split up workouts to focus on different muscle groups, such as upper-body day, lower-body day, and full-body day. You can level up your workouts as you progress. For example, you may start with a barbell squat without weights. A couple weeks later, you may find that you have a 25-pound plate on each side of the bar. Kettlebell exercises are also great full-body workouts that can also increase core strength. The main thing is to be consistent to maintain your progress.
Take Recovery Seriously
If you take your workouts seriously, then you should do the same for your recovery. You don’t just bounce back after a workout if you don’t practice the proper recovery methods. The body requires time to heal and get stronger. Treat recovery days the same way you treat workout days. Make sure that you stretch, tend to sore muscles, and sleep enough each night and you will see a huge difference.
If you plan on combating muscle loss that comes with age, make sure to engage in resistance training, eat enough protein, and optimize your recovery. The more you prioritize strength as you age, the better off you’ll be later on in life. You’ll be able to have more independence to do the things you want to do!
