Summary
Highlights
Muscle mass gradually decreases after age 60, often unnoticed, leading to weakness, loss of balance, falls, and reduced independence. Many mistakenly accept this as an inevitable part of aging.
Muscles are more than just strength; they regulate metabolism, control blood glucose, support bone density, and act as a vital indicator of lifespan and physical independence.
The primary causes of muscle atrophy include lack of physical exertion, insufficient protein intake, hormonal changes, vitamin D deficiency, and excessive periods of physical inactivity.
Common indicators of muscle loss include difficulty rising from a chair, slow walking speed, weak grip strength, increased unsteadiness, and visible muscle flabbiness despite weight loss.
It is never too late to rebuild muscle. Key strategies include consistent, progressive resistance exercises at home, adequate protein intake distributed throughout the day, and avoiding restrictive starvation diets.
Relying solely on walking is insufficient for muscle growth; resistance is required. Furthermore, severe calorie restriction is dangerous because it forces the body to break down existing muscle tissue for energy, exacerbating frailty.