Sarcopenia | The critical role of musculoskeletal health in longevity

Movement is essential for maintaining health and independence throughout life.¹ Regular physical activity supports muscle strength, joint stability, and metabolic function, helping to prevent frailty and chronic disease as we age¹ and providing the independence required to support social connection. However, a significant contributor to the gap between lifespan (total years lived) and healthspan (years lived in good health), is sarcopenia,² a major global public health concern affecting 20% of people over the age of 70, and 50% of people over the age of 80.³ Alarmingly, up to 19% of the global population over the age of 60 currently suffer from sarcopenia,⁴ making it a critical concern for healthy ageing.

Characterised by a progressive loss of skeletal muscle strength, mass, and quality, sarcopenia leads to a myriad of adverse health outcomes, such as mobility disorders, increased fall risk and fractures, disabilities, and an increased risk of other musculoskeletal disorders, including osteoporosis.⁵ This debilitating condition also impacts the ability to perform activities of daily living, resulting in loss of independence and a decline in overall quality of life.⁵