We all face various health challenges at different stages of life, and middle age in particular requires our attention. As the years go by, a series of changes begin to occur in the body of middle-aged people, one of which is the gradual reduction of muscle mass. This loss of muscle not only affects our appearance, but more seriously, it has a negative impact on our health.
Muscle mass has a profound impact on the health of middle-aged people, however, gradual loss of muscle mass is an inevitable physiological phenomenon as we age. Why do middle-aged people need to focus on maintaining muscle mass?
Muscles play an important role in maintaining good health. First and foremost, muscle tissue is one of the metabolic powerhouses of our body. It consumes more energy, i.e., calories, to maintain itself, and as a result, people with more muscle usually have a higher basal metabolic rate. This means that they are also able to burn more calories at rest, which helps with weight management.
Secondly, muscles are essential for the maintenance of bone density. Bones and muscles are closely linked, and the movement and tension of the muscles can stimulate bone growth, helping to prevent fractures and osteoporosis. This is especially important in middle-aged people, as the gradual decline in bone density increases the risk of fractures as we age.
In addition, muscles play a key role in daily functioning. It supports our bones and allows us to stand, walk, and maintain balance. Muscles are also involved in various daily activities such as carrying shopping bags, climbing stairs, and opening bottles. As a result, loss of muscle mass can lead to impaired functioning in daily life, reducing quality of life.
One study found a strong correlation between muscle mass and longevity. Among middle-aged and older people, people with more muscles tend to live longer. This is because the presence of muscle helps prevent chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, which are more common in middle-aged people.