Recover and Fight from Muscle Loss as a Result of Aging

Recover and Fight from Muscle Loss as a Result of Aging

Muscle loss as you age is a very real thing. Some of it is just a result of the body getting older, something called sarcopenia. You don’t have to just call it quits and accept that you are going to start losing your muscle once you hit your 30s, though. You can arm yourself with knowledge.

Below are 5 simple things that you can do at home to fight muscle loss as you age. All of them are simple and can be done without great expense or inconvenience.

1. Eat protein.The Mayo Clinic reports that as individuals age, their bodies require more protein to maintain their muscle mass. The recommended daily allowance for protein for those over 64 should be 1.2 g to 1.5 g for every kg of body weight. Rather than trying to eat all of the allotment in one sitting, eating it at regular intervals throughout the day will allow for better use and absorption.
2. Aerobic exercise. No matter what your age, exercise is always important. But, as you age, it becomes even more important. After the age of 30, people begin to lose muscle much more quickly. Making time for regular aerobic exercise is important. DVDs are plentiful, so find a style you enjoy and make a point to work out three days a week. Stationary bikes, elliptical, treadmills – all of these can be used at home. If you feel like going out, try taking a ballroom dancing class. That will definitely get the heart pumping and workout the muscles at the same time.
3. Resistance training. Not to be confused with aerobic exercise, Berkeley Wellness shares that resistance training should also be done. If using a weight set scares you, try lifting soup cans or partially filled milk bottles at home. Bungee cords make great resistant cords for legs. A plethora of exercises can be found online that can be done from the comfort of your home.
4. Vitamin D.Vitamin D consumption is critical for muscle retention. Taking supplements can be dangerous and not always beneficial. The best way to get your vitamins is always through your diet, so try eating some of these vitamin D rich foods: wild salmon, beef liver, egg yolks, canned fish, or shiitake mushrooms.
5. Magnesium. The Mayo Clinic points out that having enough magnesium in your diet is also critical for maintaining muscle mass. Some foods from the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center that are rich in magnesium include nuts, spinach, milk, bananas and dark chocolate.

By practicing these 5 simple items, you can take control of your body and keep from losing muscle mass, staying healthy and active. The golden years should be just that – golden.

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