MHAS highlights age-related muscle loss in rapidly aging Malaysia, urges for prevention

Malaysia is facing a significant demographic shift, with forecasts indicating that by the year 2040, around 15 percent of the population will be aged 65 and above. This growing segment of the population faces a critical challenge—age-related muscle loss, which is detrimental to the pursuit of healthy aging. [Available at https://www.statista.com/statistics/713529/malaysia-aging-population/ Accessed on 11 March 2024]  Presently, one-in-three adults over the age of 60 suffers from reduced muscle mass, adversely affecting their strength and overall health. [Mal J Med Health Sci 2022;18(1):177-186]

In response to this looming threat, the Malaysian Healthy Ageing Society (MHAS) recently collaborated with a key industry stakeholder to enhance awareness about the important role of muscle health in the elderly, with the goal of fostering a community that ages healthily. This joint effort is focused on encouraging Malaysian adults to monitor their muscle health closely to prevent age-related muscle deterioration, which significantly heightens the risk of becoming disabled. The campaign includes a series of educational events and muscle health screenings.

Declining muscle mass in the elderly not a must
The natural aging process is associated with a progressive loss of muscle mass, which begins around the age of 40. From this point, adults may experience an 8 percent reduction in muscle mass every decade, a rate that nearly doubles after 70 years of age. The loss of muscle mass and function due to aging, also known as sarcopenia, can severely limit mobility and strength, leading to increased fragility, prolonged hospital stays, and diminished immune function. Studies have linked low muscle mass to weakened immunity, elevated inflammation levels, and a greater risk of infections.

Fortunately, age-related muscle loss can be slowed or even reversed with proper nutrition and regular exercise. It is important to know despite the inevitability of aging, muscle degradation is not a foregone conclusion. Evidence suggests that a diet that is complete and balanced, combined with physical activity, can effectively prevent or slow the progression of physical frailty associated with aging.