Low muscle mass (sarcopenia) has become a greater concern of late because of Singapore's ageing population. A joint study by Changi General Hospital (CGH) and SingHealth Polyclinics (SGH), with healthcare company Abbott, shed light on this disease.
Seniors to guard against low muscle mass (sarcopenia)
With our aging population, senior medical conditions have come to the fore of attention. In a joint study by
Changi General Hospital (CGH) and
SingHealth Polyclinics (SHP), both members of the
SingHealth group, with healthcare company Abbott,
20% of Singaporeans above 65 suffer from low muscle mass – also known as sarcopenia.
This disease could possibly affect the immune system, and also a person’s sense of balance, movements and the ability to perform daily tasks.
What causes low muscle mass (sarcopenia)?
Ageing
A sedentary lifestyle
Poor nutrition
Medical conditions like heart disease
Signs that you might be suffering from low muscle mass (sarcopenia)
Decrease in muscle size
Weakness
Loss of stamina
Loss of endurance
From a pool of 400 participants, the researchers studied various factors like body composition, nutritional biomarkers and associated factors with low muscle mass in physically able seniors with a normal nutritional status.
Who is at risk of muscle loss?
According to the study, women are more prone to the disease, with a 24.9% chance to get it, compared to men at 15.5%.
Also, every year after 65 also adds a 13% chance of getting low muscle mass. On average, adults lose up to 8% of their muscle mass every 10 years starting from age 40. That rate might be doubled when one hits 70 years of age.
Those with other illnesses or injuries might also be at greater risk of accelerated muscle loss.
While proper nutrition is needed to combat sarcopenia,
Adjunct Assistant Professor Samuel Chew, Senior Consultant at CGH's
Department of Geriatric Medicine, notes that most other studies suggest that muscle mass loss is limited to people who are malnourished.
"However, the findings of our study show that the prevalence of low muscle mass in normally nourished seniors is significant as well," said Adj Asst Prof Chew, principal investigator of the study. Therefore, seniors do need to be mindful of their own muscle mass status in order to maintain muscle health.
How do you measure your muscle health?
To best determine your muscle health, do talk to your healthcare provider to perform simple tests such as the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool and the Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis.
Adjunct Associate Professor Tan Ngiap Chuan, Senior Consultant and Family Physician as well as Director of Research at SingHealth Polyclinics (SHP) said, "Healthcare professionals should take note of these results and encourage patients to consider early screening of their muscle mass and adopt a lifestyle that incorporates physical activity and the right diet, including optimal levels of protein."
What foods can maintain muscle health?
Food rich in protein helps to make new cells, maintains bone health and keeps muscles healthy. They include chicken breast, fish, tofu, beans, nuts and eggs. Because of the increased risks of sarcopenia (low muscle mass), especially those above the age of 65 require more dietary protein to help maintain their muscles.
Because of decreased appetite or possibly dental issues which might hinder them from chewing meat, some seniors take less protein than is needed, so they have to be especially mindful of that fact.
Other nutrients that support muscle health or the immune system include zinc and vitamins A, C, D and E.
Vitamin D, in particular, plays an important role in the normal functioning and strength of muscles. Good sources of Vitamin D include:
Salmon
Mackerel
Tuna
Sardine
Shiitake mushrooms
Egg yolk
Adj Asst Prof Chew said, "Oral nutritional supplements can be helpful for those who are unable to meet these requirements through their usual diet, as they are nutrient-dense and easy to consume, so people can get important nutrients, regardless of their appetite."
Exercise can help fight sarcopenia
With physical activity and proper nutrition, seniors can maintain muscle mass. "The key to avoid losing muscle mass is to include resistance or weight exercises and sufficient protein. This not only improves one's muscle health, but also contributes positively to bone health and nutritional status.” quips Adj Asst Prof Chew.
Strong muscles, he added, are associated with the regulation of the immune system. Citing studies, Adj Asst Prof Chew said that muscles produce and release compounds which play an important role in the proliferation, activation and distribution of some immune cells.
"While additional research is needed, there is data that suggests loss of muscle mass is associated with compromised immunity and infections," he said.
"Muscles are a major storage site for amino acids used by the body during a trauma or infection. Hence, low muscle mass, coupled with inadequate protein intake, may affect the body's response to an injury or infection." Given the evidence linking muscle to the immune system, maintaining or improving muscle health should be a priority, said Adj Asst Prof Chew.
He advised seniors to do resistance exercises such as lifting light weights, one-leg stands, squats, heel raises and lunges. Simple household chores such as cooking, carrying groceries or watering the garden can also maintain muscle strength.
Adj Asst Prof Chew added, "I advocate sit-to-stand exercises on a daily basis for geriatric patients. It is important to make these exercises a habit. Support from the carer and family is essential for this to be successful."
To be continued…
There will be a second phase of the study that is being carried out, and it involves 811 seniors aged 65 and above who are at risk of malnutrition.
The second phase will focus on the impact of oral nutritional supplement intakes on health outcomes and physical ability. The results from this study are expected to be ready by October, so stay tuned for more updates!
Ref: K21
Check out other articles on senior's health:
5 Easy Ways Seniors Can Stay Healthy
Best Foods for the Elderly
Best Exercises for Seniors
7 Common Ageing Problems Faced by Seniors
Must-Know Nutrition and Diet Tips for Seniors
Why Seniors Need to Be Vaccinated
How to Prevent Falls in the Elderly
Beware of Depression in Seniors
