Today the Topic is “Sarcopenia”
Most adult humans achieve peak muscle mass sometime during their early 40s. After that point, a gradual deterioration begins, and the progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass that accompanies aging is called sarcopenia. Sarcopenia can impair muscle performance, physical function, and metabolism. The declines in physical function and mobility associated with sarcopenia often contribute to falls, loss of independence, nursing home, and even death.
Exercise is the most powerful method to diminish muscle loss, but aging muscles, joints, tendons, and ligaments mean restricted exercise for most seniors. Walking and weight training with light weights and increased repetitions are most effective. My college gymnastics coach continues weight training with light weights deep into his 80s. But remember, no amount of aerobic exercise and weight training can halt the advance of sarcopenia, only reduce its severity and keep aging as much in check as possible, given your genetic makeup and your physical health.
No one can lift enough heavy weights often enough to stave off sarcopenia indefinitely.
Just for Laughs: Monty Python, Michael Palin, and The Lumberjack Song
Here is Rick Nelson and The Stone Canyon Band on the Mike Douglas Show, 1969, playing “Believe What You Say,” one of Nelson’s hits from 1958, reaching #4 on the Billboard Charts.
The Stone Canyon Band is Allen Kemp on lead guitar, Randy Meisner on bass guitar, Pat Shanahan on drums, and Tom Brumley on steel guitar. The song was written by Dorsey and Johnny Burnette.
A New Feature: Forward Into the Past, The Novelty Song of the Week, “Transfusion” by Nervous Norvous.
Getting Old Ain’t for Sissies 