TY - JOUR
T1 - The epidemiology of sarcopenia in community living older adults
T2 - What role does lifestyle play?
AU - Scott, David
AU - Blizzard, Leigh
AU - Fell, James
AU - Jones, Graeme
PY - 2011
Y1 - 2011
N2 - Background: Sarcopenia, the age-related decline in skeletal muscle mass and function, is a relatively poorly understood process which may play an important role in the incidence of physical disability and falls in older adults. Evidence demonstrates that both genetic and environmental factors contribute to increased susceptibility for sarcopenia development, yet some of these factors may represent unavoidable consequences of ageing. Methods: A review of literature, generally from epidemiological research, was performed to examine the influence that potentially modifiable lifestyle factors (general physical activity, dietary nutrient intake and sun exposure), as well as chronic disease and medication use, may have on sarcopenia progression. Results: The review demonstrated that while physical activity, nutrient intake and sun exposure often decline during ageing, each may have important but differing benefits for the prevention of muscle mass and functional declines in older adults. Conversely, age-related increases in the prevalence of chronic diseases and the subsequent prescription of pharmacotherapy may exacerbate sarcopenia progression. Conclusions: The prevalence of poor physical activity, diet and sun exposure, as well as chronic disease and medication use, within older adult populations may be modifiable through simple lifestyle and health care interventions. As such, these factors may represent the most effective targets for sarcopenia prevention during the ageing process.
AB - Background: Sarcopenia, the age-related decline in skeletal muscle mass and function, is a relatively poorly understood process which may play an important role in the incidence of physical disability and falls in older adults. Evidence demonstrates that both genetic and environmental factors contribute to increased susceptibility for sarcopenia development, yet some of these factors may represent unavoidable consequences of ageing. Methods: A review of literature, generally from epidemiological research, was performed to examine the influence that potentially modifiable lifestyle factors (general physical activity, dietary nutrient intake and sun exposure), as well as chronic disease and medication use, may have on sarcopenia progression. Results: The review demonstrated that while physical activity, nutrient intake and sun exposure often decline during ageing, each may have important but differing benefits for the prevention of muscle mass and functional declines in older adults. Conversely, age-related increases in the prevalence of chronic diseases and the subsequent prescription of pharmacotherapy may exacerbate sarcopenia progression. Conclusions: The prevalence of poor physical activity, diet and sun exposure, as well as chronic disease and medication use, within older adult populations may be modifiable through simple lifestyle and health care interventions. As such, these factors may represent the most effective targets for sarcopenia prevention during the ageing process.
KW - Chronic disease
KW - Diet
KW - Epidemiology
KW - Physical activity
KW - Sarcopenia
KW - Vitamin D
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84855795806&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1007/s13539-011-0036-4
DO - 10.1007/s13539-011-0036-4
M3 - Review Article
AN - SCOPUS:84855795806
VL - 2
SP - 125
EP - 134
JO - Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle
JF - Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle
SN - 2190-5991
IS - 3
ER -