Muscle: The Fountain of Youth
Our bodies age and change over the years, and for many of us, the most noticeable sign is loss of muscle mass. If we do not interfere with our muscle maintenance after the age of 30, we will experience at least 3% of muscle mass loss per decade. For some people, muscle loss might not be noticeable in the early stages; therefore, age-related sarcopenia remains untreated, which will impact the quality of life of those affected. Notably, between 60 and 70, muscle loss accelerates significantly, at which time sarcopenia becomes more clinically relevant.
Muscles are a collection of long cells called muscle fibres, which contain proteins. These soft tissues help you move, breathe, and perform vital functions. When stimulated by nerve signals, the protein filaments slide past each other, causing the muscle fibres to shorten and contract as needed.
Here is why muscle maintenance matters, especially after the age of 30.
Metabolic Dynamos – Muscles, on top of being the creators of movement in our bodies, also serve as metabolic engines that burn calories even at rest. This action helps us to maintain healthy weight and blood sugar levels. If your muscle mass decreases, your metabolism also decreases, making it difficult to manage your weight. If you become less active in this scenario, it further exacerbates muscle loss.
On Your Own – Muscles can determine our ability to remain independent. We require sufficient muscle power to perform simple everyday activities, such as standing up, shopping, and climbing stairs. If your muscles are in decline, it increases your chances of injury from falls or makes it difficult for you to walk unaided, signaling the need for support and potentially leading to a loss of independence.
The Muscle & Bone Partnership – Muscles and bones work together such that when you work to build muscles, the activity improves your bone density. Good bone density is essential to prevent osteoporosis. If you have strong muscles, your joints have better stability, which in turn improves your mobility. Poor muscles can compromise your entire musculoskeletal structure.
The Fountain of Youth – Standing up and looking strong has the effect of making one appear more vibrant and younger than one’s years. Muscles represent our tangible underpinning of healthy aging. The great thing about muscles is that we can build them at any age; therefore, continuous investment in muscle health, maintenance, and growth can improve quality of life for the long term.
On top of being accessible to everyone at any age, muscle loss is not inevitable; we can intervene. Finally, something we can influence when it comes to long-term health.
Look out for our article on how to build muscle.
This article is not medical advice. The information contained in this article has been designed for educational and informational purposes only. It is provided solely to enable you to make your own choices. No material in this article is a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek your doctor’s advice or a qualified medical professional with any questions you may have regarding your health and wellness.
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