Muscles are the ultimate longevity organ – helping us stay independent, physically active and maintain overall health as we age. This World Sarcopenia Day, experts are calling for routine muscle health assessment and monitoring.
World Sarcopenia Day is an opportunity to highlight the important role of health and medical professionals to talk to patients about muscle health earlier and more often.
Sarcopenia – a disease characterised by the progressive loss of muscle mass, strength and physical function – affects an estimated one in five Australians aged 60 years and over and is associated with increased risk of falls, fractures, hospitalisation, loss of independence and premature mortality. Despite its significant health impact, muscle health remains under-recognised in routine healthcare.
Researchers at the Deakin Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition have been at the forefront to better understand how Australians think about muscle health and how healthcare systems can improve screening, prevention and management.
Recent research led by the Institute’s Professor Robin Daly explored older Australians’ awareness, attitudes and behaviours relating to muscle health and sarcopenia, identifying opportunities to improve public understanding and support earlier action.
The survey revealed that up to 95 per cent of Australians aged 50 years and over understood that it was ‘very important’ to maintain muscle health, but that a doctor had never discussed it with them.
Professor Daly said these conversations should become a standard part of preventive healthcare.
“People are familiar with discussions about heart health, bone health and maintaining a healthy weight, but muscle health is often missing from the conversation,” Professor Daly said.
“Maintaining muscle strength and function is critical for healthy ageing and to prevent chronic disease.
“Evidence shows that muscle loss is not an inevitable consequence of ageing. There are things people can do to help them preserve and improve muscle health throughout life.”
Emerging evidence links poor muscle health and sarcopenia with a broad range of chronic conditions and poorer health outcomes, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer outcomes and reduced quality of life.
Professor Daly and collaborators are also helping shape national conversations about how muscle health can be better integrated into Australian primary care.
A new publication outlines practical pathways to identify and improve muscle health screening, assessment and management in general practice, overcoming barriers that currently limit earlier diagnosis and intervention.
The recommendations emphasise simple but important steps for healthcare professionals, including raising awareness of the risk factors linked to muscle loss, asking patients about changes in strength and physical function, identifying people at greater risk through a battery of quick and simple tests, and supporting access to evidence-based exercise and nutrition strategies.
“Starting the conversation could make a meaningful difference to long-term health and quality of life,” Professor Daly said.
Share