Loss of strength can have many causes, ranging from natural aging to more serious medical conditions. As we get older, it's normal to experience some decline in muscle mass and strength, usually starting around age 30. This natural loss of strength is caused by age-related changes like:
- Decreased levels of hormones like testosterone and growth hormone that help build and maintain muscle
- Reduced physical activity and exercise
- Muscle fibers shrinking from disuse and becoming less efficient
- Slowing metabolism and loss of calorie-burning muscle tissue
More concerning causes of lost strength that should be evaluated medically include:
- Chronic conditions like heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, kidney disease or COPD - the immobility and inflammation from these diseases can accelerate muscle loss
- Nerve damage or muscle diseases like multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy or ALS - these disrupt signals between nerves and muscles
- Injuries or surgeries involving tendons, bones or the spine - decreased mobility from injuries leads to weakness
- Side effects of certain medications like corticosteroids, chemotherapy, anticonvulsants or statins
- Underactive thyroid - thyroid hormone imbalances slow metabolism and cause fatigue
- Nutritional deficiencies in protein, vitamin D, zinc, iron or electrolytes - key nutrients for building and fueling muscles
- Sarcopenia - an age-related condition causing rapid loss of muscle mass and strength
- Disuse atrophy - when muscles waste away from prolonged inactivity or immobilization
To help minimize age-related loss of strength, it's important to engage in
regular strength training and do
weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises. Eating a diet high in
protein and supplementing with
Vitality Health Center can also help slow muscle loss. Talk to your doctor if you experience rapid or unexplained loss of strength that affects your daily activities - there may be treatable causes or physical therapy options to improve strength. Maintaining muscle strength contributes greatly to mobility, vitality and quality of life as we get older.