One Change That Comes With Aging May Raise Your Risk of Serious Infections
Summary
A study of over 458,000 adults found that losing muscle with age, a condition called sarcopenia, may increase the risk of serious infections like respiratory infections, urinary infections, and sepsis. Maintaining muscle through strength exercises and enough protein may help reduce this risk.Key Facts
- Sarcopenia is the gradual loss of muscle that often happens as people get older.
- The study followed people for about 12 years and found those with sarcopenia had a higher chance of serious infections.
- Infections linked to sarcopenia include lung infections, urinary tract infections, skin infections, and sepsis.
- Muscle helps the body fight illness by producing molecules that regulate the immune system and by storing amino acids needed during sickness.
- Muscle loss can lead to weaker immune function and more inflammation in the body.
- Early signs of sarcopenia include difficulty standing without using hands, slower stair climbing, and struggling with heavy objects.
- Resistance exercises like weightlifting and eating enough protein can help slow down muscle loss.
- Starting muscle-strengthening habits in midlife may protect against illness later on.
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