While most people expect physical changes like wrinkles and diminished hearing as they age, muscle loss is another unfortunate side effect of getting older. However, by making the right changes, you may be able to stay stronger for longer and diminish your symptoms. Here is a little more information about sarcopenia, and how you can prevent problems with additions like home health care. 

Understanding Age-Related Muscle Loss

What Is Sarcopenia? 

Sarcopenia is the natural loss of muscle tissue that starts to occur in your mid-thirties. While most people build muscle until the time they are around thirty, physical and hormonal changes can cause people to lose as much as 3% to 5% of their muscle tissue each decade after they turn 30. 

The signs of sarcopenia include a reduction of muscle size, a loss of endurance, trouble doing physical tasks that were once easy, the loss of balance, and general weakness. Sarcopenia is commonly caused by living a sedentary lifestyle, which is why home health care programs and senior fitness classes can be so beneficial. 

How Can You Prevent Muscle Loss? 

Although a certain amount of muscle loss is inevitable, you can counteract sarcopenia by staying active and enjoying a healthy diet filled with lean proteins. By incorporating both aerobic exercise and strength training into your workout routine, you can continue to keep your muscles strong and healthy, reducing tissue loss. Additionally, certain medications and hormone treatments may prevent or treat sarcopenia by preventing atrophy. 

If you have started to experience muscle weakening as you age, the problem might have something to do with your daily routine. To bolster your exercise routine and live a better life, consider taking advantage of in-home health care services, such as those offered by Deer Valley Home Health Services. Based out of Berkeley, St. Charles, and St. Louis, MO, these experienced home health care professionals specialize in offering customizable solutions for seniors, veterans, and special-needs adults and teenagers. Learn more about the services they offer by visiting them online or give them a call at (314) 355-3679.