Dr Bradley Elliott, Senior Lecturer in Physiology at the University of Westminster, spoke to The Conversation about why maintaining muscle mass is important as we get older and what we can do to maintain it.
Elliott writes: "Nearly every cell, organ and biological process gets a little bit worse every year we’re alive starting from age 30 or so. The sum of these processes is what we know as ageing. A loss in muscle mass is one of the most obvious changes we can expect to see.
“Over time a lack of muscle mass can lead to a number of issues – including poor balance, frailty and a lack of independence. It’s also associated with a myriad of health problems.
“Given how important muscle mass is for our health, the best way to maintain it after 30 is to keep moving.”
Elliott says it is best not to over exercise, to try and do exercise we enjoy and that eating enough protein throughout the day is a key part of maintaining and increasing muscle mass.
Read the full article on The Conversation website.
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