Sarcopenia in the Elderly

In the 21st century, life expectancy has increased and consequently so has the number of elderly people. Sarcopenia is an emerging area in geriatric medicine. The European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) defined sarcopenia as a syndrome characterised by progressive and generalised loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength and/or physical performance, associated with a risk of adverse outcomes such as physical disability, poor quality of life, and death. Sarcopenia requires diagnostic and interventional methods in order to initiate timely and appropriate treatment. Diagnosing sarcopenia requires assessments of muscle mass, muscle strength and physical performance. Management of sarcopenia involves a variety of approaches. Nutritional and exercise interventions are strongly supported.