Which statement best summarizes the relationship between aging and sarcopenia?

Which statement best summarizes the relationship between aging and sarcopenia?

• A. Sarcopenia is primarily about loss of lean body mass, and it is common after age 65
• B. Sarcopenia is primarily about increased fat mass
• C. Sarcopenia is a progressive loss of lean body mass that commonly affects people over 65
• D. Sarcopenia only affects children

Answer: (C)

Aging is associated with a gradual, ongoing loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength, a condition we call sarcopenia. The statement that best summarizes this relationship is that it is a progressive loss of lean body mass that commonly affects people over 65. This captures both the steady decline over time and the higher likelihood of older adults being affected. Sarcopenia isn’t primarily about gaining fat, and it isn’t something that affects children. It’s the decline in muscle mass that, over years, often accompanies reduced strength and physical performance, which is why the “progressive” aspect matters.

Aging is associated with a gradual, ongoing loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength, a condition we call sarcopenia. The statement that best summarizes this relationship is that it is a progressive loss of lean body mass that commonly affects people over 65. This captures both the steady decline over time and the higher likelihood of older adults being affected.

Sarcopenia isn’t primarily about gaining fat, and it isn’t something that affects children. It’s the decline in muscle mass that, over years, often accompanies reduced strength and physical performance, which is why the “progressive” aspect matters.