A significant proportion of individuals aged 65 and above in North America experience substantial muscular atrophy, scientifically known as sarcopenia, which greatly restricts their daily activities. Engaging in a consistent exercise regimen is the most effective approach to attenuate this progressive decline in strength and coordination.
However, it is important to note that despite regular exercise, muscle loss is inevitable with age. From the age of 40 onwards, individuals undergo a decline in muscle mass exceeding 8% per decade, and this rate escalates dramatically to 15% per decade by the time they reach the age of 70. Consequently, the augmented rate of muscle loss significantly heightens the vulnerability to disability and disease.
Inactivity precipitates an unwarranted atrophy of skeletal musculature, which, in turn, incites deprivation of myocardial tissue. Consequently, cardiac contractility diminishes to a perilous extent, impeding cerebral blood circulation and ultimately leading to demise.
In scientific literature, individuals with the highest rate of skeletal muscle loss also tend to have a shortened lifespan. Moreover, they face an increased susceptibility to falls and fractures. Muscles comprise numerous individual fibers, much like the strands of a rope. Each muscle fiber is connected to a single motor nerve. As the aging process unfolds, motor nerves are gradually lost, resulting in the simultaneous loss of the corresponding muscle fiber.
When skeletal muscles contract, they compress adjacent veins, facilitating the return of excess blood to the heart. This influx of blood expands the heart, thereby elongating the heart muscle, leading to heightened force during contractions and increased blood flow throughout the body. Consequently, during physical exertion, the heart beats faster and with greater intensity in order to facilitate blood circulation. The regular and intensified contractions of the heart muscle in an exercise program contribute to enhanced cardiac muscle strength.
One crucial factor in the extension of lifespan and prevention of diseases lies in maintaining an active lifestyle. The immobility of prolonged sitting or lying down poses significant harm and must be avoided. Each day devoid of physical exertion weakens the cardiovascular system, increasing the likelihood of succumbing to heart failure. Engaging in exercise significantly extends one’s lifespan and incorporating consistent movement throughout a substantial portion of the day ensures a healthier existence.
To attain optimal health benefits from your skeletal muscles, it is imperative to incorporate resistance exercise into a regular routine. Engaging in various activities that involve the movement of your arms and legs, such as dancing, swimming, cycling, running, and walks, along with household chores like mowing the lawn, washing the dishes, making the bed, and vacuuming the house, contributes to a healthful outcome.
To view the original scientific study click below:
Skeletal Muscle Mass and Cardiovascular Health
