Sarcopenia seems to be the new buzz word; what does it mean?

Sarcopenia often is defined as an age-related shift in body composition, specifically the loss of muscle mass. The word sarcopenia has Greek origins and literally means "poverty of flesh." As we age, muscle mass is replaced with fat mass. This concept is important to clinicians treating aging patients with wounds because loss of muscle mass means less independent activity, increased frailty, and, possibly, lengthier periods for wound healing. Interventions are aimed at stimulating anabolic activity within the body. Progressive resistance exercise can help slow this progression and may be as simple as stretching with exercise bands. Provision of adequate protein at each meal is another strategy that may address both sarcopenia and wound healing.

-Nancy Collins, PhD, RD, LD/N, FAPWCA