Muscle mass and strength start to decline around the fourth decade of life and the rate of decline accelerates with advancing age.[1][2] With that said, the process is heterogeneous in when it begins and the magnitude of decline, especially since lifestyle factors like frequent resistance exercise and adequate daily protein intake can help to delay and attenuate losses in muscle mass and strength with aging. Beyond the age of 50, a loss of leg muscle mass of 1%–2% per year and a loss of muscle strength of 1.5%–5% per year have been reported.[3]
References
- ^Ferrucci L, de Cabo R, Knuth ND, Studenski SOf Greek heroes, wiggling worms, mighty mice, and old body builders.J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci.(2012-Jan)
- ^Dodds RM, Syddall HE, Cooper R, Benzeval M, Deary IJ, Dennison EM, Der G, Gale CR, Inskip HM, Jagger C, Kirkwood TB, Lawlor DA, Robinson SM, Starr JM, Steptoe A, Tilling K, Kuh D, Cooper C, Sayer AAGrip strength across the life course: normative data from twelve British studies.PLoS One.(2014)
- ^Keller K, Engelhardt MStrength and muscle mass loss with aging process. Age and strength lossMuscles Ligaments Tendons J.(2014 Feb 24)