Sarcopenia: A Silent Threat and Prevention from Adulthood to Older Age
Keywords:
Mid-adulthood, Older adults, Prevention, Sarcopenia, Silent threatAbstract
Sarcopenia is a condition characterized by a progressive loss of muscle mass and strength, leading to a decline in physical performance, increased frailty, a higher risk of falls, and reduced ability to perform daily activities. Although it is commonly regarded as a health problem among older adults, scientific evidence indicates that the degenerative process begins in mid-adulthood, with muscle mass decreasing by approximately 3–5% every decade. This condition is often described as a silent threat because it typically goes unrecognized in its early stages. Moreover, sarcopenia is closely associated with several chronic noncommunicable diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and sarcopenic obesity, all of which significantly impact physical and mental health, quality of life, and healthcare expenditures.
Preventive and management strategies for sarcopenia should focus on comprehensive health promotion, emphasizing resistance exercise, adequate protein and vitamin D intake, and early screening beginning in adulthood to identify individuals at risk. Additionally, social and policy-level support such as community-based exercise programs, promotion of muscle health literacy, and integration of sarcopenia screening into primary healthcare services plays a crucial role in reducing the long-term burden of this condition.
This review aims to summarize current literature related to sarcopenia among middle-aged and older adults by exploring its underlying mechanisms, risk factors, and health, economic, and social impacts. It also presents evidence-based prevention and management approaches that can inform public health policy development and promote sustainable improvements in population health and quality of life.
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