Why is muscle mass important with age?

Maintaining muscle mass as we age is crucial due to several reasons. Firstly, muscle plays a vital role in maintaining metabolic health. Muscle acts as a glucose disposal unit, helping to regulate blood sugar levels and preventing diseases such as diabetes. Aging-related diseases often begin with issues in skeletal muscle, even before visible signs like obesity appear 1.

Additionally, muscle mass is closely linked to overall resilience and physical capability. As people age, they tend to experience a decline in fast-twitch muscle fibers, leading to reduced power and an increased risk of falls. Training to maintain muscle, particularly type two fibers, is essential for minimizing these declines and ensuring better physical control, which is crucial for preventing injuries from falls 2.

Muscle health also impacts our ability to perform daily activities independently, such as climbing stairs or lifting objects. Maintaining muscle mass can prevent injuries and maintain a higher quality of life, particularly as the ability to recover from physical setbacks diminishes with age 3. Regular resistance training can help offset the natural declines in muscle and strength, promoting longevity and health in later life 4.