Surviving past eighty: Benefit of muscle you may not know about

We all know how important muscle mass is for older folks. When sarcopenia (muscle loss) occurs in the later years, frailty results - and the loss of strength can severely limit activities that were once routine.

But beyond that, Will Brink of Brinkzone,com has broached the importance of muscle to keep the elderly alive after suffering a traumatic event and subsequent hospitalization (per Brink):

“A loss of muscle mass also has far ranging effects beyond the obvious loss of strength and functionality. Muscle is a metabolic reservoir. In times of emergency it produces the proteins and metabolites required for survival after a traumatic event. In practical terms, frail elderly people with decreased muscle mass often do not survive major surgeries or traumatic accidents, as they lack the metabolic reserves to supply their immune systems and other systems critical for recovery.”

Muscle as a "metabolic reservoir" is not a new concept for me. I have experienced significant muscle loss following surgeries, and observed one of my personal training clients lose roughly 25 pounds of muscle during a bout with dengue fever.

And the idea that elderly people "often do not survive major surgeries of traumatic accidents" should get everyone's attention. Maintaining and building muscle is not just about looking great in the mirror or being able to move heavy iron in the gym. It could save your life.

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