After the age of 30 years, we all begin to gradually lose muscle mass.² From the age of 40 years, we lose around 8% of our muscle mass per decade.³ For some people this loss of muscle mass may happen more quickly than others. This muscle-wasting condition is known as sarcopenia.¹ Sarcopenia is a skeletal muscle disorder that most commonly affects older adults, but it can also occur earlier in life.¹ It is characterised by a progressive and involuntary loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength, and function.¹ The condition is mostly caused by the natural ageing process, however there are other possible factors that can increase the risk of sarcopenia, including physical inactivity, obesity, disease (inflammatory conditions, osteoarthritis and neurological disorders), malnutrition or inadequate protein intake.¹

What is the impact of untreated sarcopenia?

Sarcopenia is estimated to affect 1 in 7 Australians over the age of 60 years.⁴ Left untreated, sarcopenia can have a detrimental impact on an individual’s quality of life,¹ and is the fundamental cause of disability in older people.²

Sarcopenia can decrease mobility and impair the ability to perform daily activities.¹ This can lead to an increased risk of physical disability, loss of independence and the need for long-term care. Sarcopenia has also been linked to an increased risk of frailty, falls and fractures, and increased risk of hospitalisation.¹ In fact, research shows that older adults with sarcopenia have a 60% likelihood of falls and 70% higher chance of fractures.⁵

Consequences of sarcopenia¹