Sarcopenia (saar-ko-pee-nee-uh) is the gradual loss of muscle mass and strength that can occur with aging, especially in people who are less physically active.
Typically, sarcopenia begins around age 30, when the body naturally loses about 3-5% of its muscle mass per decade. These changes often become more noticeable by age 60 and continue to progress with aging. When muscle and strength loss start to interfere with daily activities—such as walking, standing up, or carrying groceries—it may be a sign of sarcopenia.
