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Decreases in muscle quality may also be a contributing factor in increased fracture risk in older individuals.
Also associated with a decrease in muscle mass and muscle strength is a decrease in the rate of force development in the muscles of elderly individuals.
This invariably leads to cellular dysfunction and muscle protein degradation, as well as a decline in muscle mass and function.
Sarcopenia
Involuntary loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength, and function. Part of the normal aging process. Enhanced by morbidity, chronic malnutrition, a sedentary lifestyle, and smoking. Limits Functional Capacity
Increases the risk for incapacitation, falls, fractures, and a dependent lifestyle.
CT Scans
Young, healthy muscle Elderly muscle
Consequences of Sarcopenia
Decreased resting energy expenditure Decreased insulin sensitivity Decreased muscle mass and strength Increased risk of physical disability Increased risk of falls Increased risk of mortality
As a result of this loss of muscle mass and strength, older individuals experience a decreased quality of life.
The lack of physical exercise is one of the most important predictors of disability in elders.
However, after about age 60, strength levels fall more rapidly, independent of training.
This is probably influenced by changes in hormones such as testosterone and growth hormone, which appear to decline more dramatically after age 60. Reduction in the circulating concentration of these hormones will result in a shift in the balance between muscle protein synthesis (anabolism) and protein breakdown (catabolism). The decreased strength is due to atrophy of muscle fibers.