“Sarcopenia is the loss of muscle and strength
that can happen when someone gets older
and does less physical activity”.1

Umbrella

What may the Sarcopenia Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Loss of Muscle Mass, Strength and Function
  • Sarcopenia

Definition

What is sarcopenia?

DotS the definition of sarcopenia may vary. The (United States) Office on Women’s Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Womenshealth.gov’s definition is:

“Sarcopenia is the loss of muscle and strength that can happen when someone gets older and does less physical activity. This may cause trouble with daily activities like standing from a chair, walking, twisting the lid off a jar, or carrying groceries. Over time, loss of strength can lead to falls or other injuries”.2

Common or Not

How common is sarcopenia?

In Sarcopenia the OWH explain:

“Currently, it is estimated that 10–20% of older adults have sarcopenia, although it could be even more prevalent because diagnosis and treatment of sarcopenia is not yet common”.3

Age

At what age does losing muscle begin?

In Sarcopenia: At What Age Should I Be Concerned About Sarcopenia? the OWH note:

“You start losing muscle at age 30. However, the rate of decline really starts to increase around age 60. That’s when you might notice changes in your ability to get around and function. Exercise and strengthening your muscles are beneficial for people of all ages but are especially important as we get older to help prevent sarcopenia and other health complications”.4

Prevention

How may sarcopenia be prevented?

In Sarcopenia: Is Strength Training the Only Way To Prevent Sarcopenia? the OWH note:

“More research is needed to fully answer this question, but strength training shows the most promise in preventing sarcopenia. Doing exercise that moves and uses your muscles, like lifting weights or doing push-ups, and eating a healthy diet can help you stay strong and reduce your risk of getting sarcopenia”.5

Health Care Provider

What if I think I have sarcopenia?

If you think you have sarcopenia, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this.

In Sarcopenia: Should My Health Care Professional Screen for Sarcopenia? the OWH note:

“Ideally, there would be a universal way to screen for sarcopenia. There are different ways to determine your risk of sarcopenia. The important thing to remember is that if you are finding everyday activities difficult, like opening a jar or getting up from a seated position without using your arms, or if you notice increased muscle weakness, a conversation with your health care professional about these changes is important to preserve health and independence and to prevent falls”.6

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Sarcopenia?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Links

Where may I find Links related to Sarcopenia?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Sarcopenia: What Is Sarcopenia? Page Last Updated: 25 September, 2025. Office on Women’s Health https://www.womenshealth.gov/sarcopenia Accessed: 30 September 2025
  2. Sarcopenia: What Is Sarcopenia? Page Last Updated: 25 September, 2025. Office on Women’s Health https://www.womenshealth.gov/sarcopenia Accessed: 30 September 2025
  3. Sarcopenia: At What Age Should I Be Concerned About Sarcopenia? Page Last Updated: 25 September, 2025. Office on Women’s Health https://www.womenshealth.gov/sarcopenia Accessed: 30 September 2025
  4. Sarcopenia: Is Strength Training the Only Way To prevent Sarcopenia? Page Last Updated: 25 September, 2025. Office on Women’s Health https://www.womenshealth.gov/sarcopenia Accessed: 30 September 2025
  5. Sarcopenia: What Is Sarcopenia? Page Last Updated: 25 September, 2025. Office on Women’s Health https://www.womenshealth.gov/sarcopenia Accessed: 30 September 2025
  6. Sarcopenia: Should My Health Care Professional Screen for Sarcopenia? Page Last Updated: 25 September, 2025. Office on Women’s Health https://www.womenshealth.gov/sarcopenia Accessed: 30 September 2025
Topic Last Updated: 30 September 2025 – Topic Last Reviewed: 30 September 2025