What is loss of strength?
Loss of strength refers to a reduction in the ability to exert force with muscles during tasks that require muscular effort. It can have major impacts on quality of life and physical functioning.
Some key points about loss of strength:
- It often occurs due to age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia), illnesses, injuries, or inactivity
- Muscle weakness makes everyday activities like climbing stairs, carrying groceries, or getting up from a chair more challenging
- Loss of strength increases the risk of falls and fractures in older adults
There are a few common causes of strength loss:
- Aging: After age 30, adults lose 3-5% of muscle mass per decade. This accelerates after age 60
- Illnesses: Chronic conditions like cancer, kidney disease, diabetes etc. can spur muscle wasting
- Injuries: Traumatic injuries and surgeries may require immobilization, leading to atrophy
- Inactivity: Not using muscles regularly results in wasting and weakness
Luckily there are ways to prevent and treat loss of strength through the lifespan:
- Exercise: Weight training and bodyweight exercises stimulate muscle growth
- Nutrition: Consuming enough protein helps maintain muscle mass
- Treatment: Underlying illnesses causing weakness should be managed
- Professional Care: Consulting physical therapists, nutritionists etc.
For those looking to regain strength lost due to age or illness, Hormone Optimal Care provides personalized care including hormone therapy and tailored nutrition and fitness programs. Their holistic, evidence-based treatments help both men and women rebuild their vitality, confidence and active lifestyles.
I hope this overview gave you a better understanding of what causes loss of strength and how it can be improved! Let me know if you have any other questions.