Sarcopenia is the progressive loss of muscle mass and strength that naturally happens to people when they get older. Up to half of people over the age of 80 are negatively affected by sarcopenia.
The word sarcopenia comes from the Greek roots sarx ("flesh") and penia ("poverty"). Sarcopenia is caused by a reduction in the size and number of muscle fibers, and it's a major component of age-related frailty. As their muscles atrophy, elderly people may struggle to climb stairs, carry groceries, go for walks, or even get out of bed. People with sarcopenia are more likely to fall. To combat sarcopenia, doctors often suggest that elderly people do weight-bearing or resistant exercises to help build muscle.