Every elderly person wants to live longer and more actively. But as they age, they feel they still can’t be active. Many of us understand this as the beginning of old age. It is natural why such a question arises. This process is scientifically called sarcopenia. On this topic, the doctor of a healthy lifestyle at the National Hospital Flyura Smailova says:
– Sarcopenia or myopenia is a gradual, progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass associated with the process of natural aging. It comes from the Greek words “sarx” (body, meat) and “chant” (loss, decrease, lack). This condition leads to a decrease in muscle function and affects the lifestyle of older people.
According to the WHO, sarcopenia is one of the leading causes of disability in older people. Because the mass and strength of the muscles decreases. These are: fatigue, general weakness, leg weakness, imbalance, increased risk of falling and breaking bones, decreased ability to take care of oneself.
Sarcopenia can begin at age 40, but develops intensively after age 60-65. There are two main types: with primary sarcopenia, with age-related changes in metabolism, hormone levels gradually decrease, as a result of which neurohumoral and metabolic disorders appear. Sarcopenia occurs under the influence of various factors. The second sarcopenia can be in patients of any age. To treat sarcopenia and maintain body tone, you need: physical activity – muscle exercises, constant strength exercises and aerobic exercises. Initially, light strength exercises (gymnastics, dumbbell exercises, resistance bands) are offered, which gradually increase the duration. Daily walks, swimming, yoga, etc. There must be things you enjoy. Most importantly, the exercise should be systematic. Healthy diet, protein sufficiency (meat, fish, milk, legumes), vitamin D, calcium and other nutrients for healthy bones and muscles. The main thing is to monitor your health, – says the doctor Flyura Smailova.
