Health-related implications and management of sarcopenia.

The loss of muscle mass experienced in sarcopenia is a slow, progressive process. The condition is analogous to osteoporosis as a normal, albeit deleterious and equally costly, consequence of aging. There is an almost universal lack of awareness of sarcopenia, its consequences, and its prevention or management, however--which is not the case for osteoporosis. Sarcopenia has a multifactorial etiology, and interventions targeting the various mechanisms contributing to its pathogenesis have been investigated. Exercise is the only intervention that reliably increases muscle mass, strength, and power. The benefits of exercise, particularly ST, include a reduction in disease, better balance with fewer falls, and fewer fractures. Equally compelling, exercise is associated with increased independence and quality of life. Obtaining adequate nutrition via a healthy diet is a fundamental adjunct to physical activity in managing sarcopenia. Even though diet and exercise guidelines are an established part of public health recommendations, most people are not meeting target levels for physical activity or nutritional goals. Greater efforts are needed to achieve behavioral and lifestyle change on a national level. Until those changes occur, health care providers must champion the cause and make wellness strategies a priority in their practices.