One in four people aged 80 and above have sarcopenia… “Can be confirmed by measuring grip strength”

According to recent data, out of every 4 elderly individuals aged 80 and above, one is likely to suffer from sarcopenia, a condition characterized by reduced muscle mass, weaker physical function, and overall decline in health. Health authorities emphasize the importance of engaging in a combination of aerobic and strength exercises, as well as maintaining proper nutrition, particularly protein intake, to prevent sarcopenia in this age group.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) recently analyzed the nation's elderly population, focusing on the prevalence of sarcopenia and its impact on overall health. The analysis, based on the 2022-2024 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey involving approximately 10,000 individuals, found that 26.9% of those aged 80 and above suffer from sarcopenia.

Sarcopenia occurs when muscle mass, strength, and functionality decrease, with common causes including muscle atrophy, reduced activity levels, imbalanced nutrition, and chronic illnesses.

The likelihood of sarcopenia increases with age. Among those aged 65-69, women have a higher prevalence (5.8%) compared to men (2.6%). However, after 70, the prevalence of sarcopenia in men surpasses that of women, reaching 28.9% in men aged 80 and above, compared to 25.6% in women of the same age group. The KDCA emphasizes the importance of hand strength, or grip strength, in detecting sarcopenia and other health issues.

For those aged 65 and above, the prevalence of sarcopenia among individuals with grip strength below 28.9 kilograms for men and 18 kilograms for women is 85%.

Moreover, those with reduced grip strength are more likely to experience difficulty with daily tasks, such as chewing food, and are associated with a higher prevalence of depression, which is 7 times more common in this group compared to the general population. They also exhibit reduced walking speeds, with men unable to walk at a pace of 1 meter per second and women walking slower than 18 kilograms.

These physical changes may indicate sarcopenia, and individuals experiencing such symptoms should seek medical attention. Dr. Park Gisu, a professor of preventative medicine at Kyungpook National University, highlights the importance of early detection and management of sarcopenia to maintain healthy aging. He advises early diagnosis and a comprehensive approach to management, including quitting smoking, engaging in aerobic and strength training, following a protein-rich diet, and maintaining an active social life.