(Aging Untold) — On this episode of Aging Untold, we look at age-related muscle loss and how exercise and nutrition can help older adults stay strong and independent.
We also explore yoga’s benefits for mobility and brain health.
Then we share the story of a man who volunteered to be the first participant in a study doctors say focuses on improving the quality of life for people with ALS.
Muscle loss and what you can do about it.(Aging Untold)What leads to muscle loss and what you can do about it
Muscle controls blood sugar, and insulin resistance starts at the muscle level. When muscle mass decreases, everything metabolically declines, Dr. Rhea Rogers, a board-certified physician, said.
Loss of muscle mass begins as early as age 30, and older adults typically lose about a third of their muscle mass, according to AARP.
But aging isn’t the only factor.
Malnutrition, lack of physical exercise and some medical conditions can also lead to muscle loss, but there are several things that you can do about it.
Rogers said exercise is important. When muscles contract during exercise, they release hormones that help protect the heart and brain, improve memory and decrease inflammation.
Sam Cradduck, a gerontologist, said maintaining muscle mass is essential for independence. When muscle goes, everything else declines.
“It is the one thing in aging that we really do have control over,” Cradduck said.
There are some things you can do at home to build muscle.
Yoga is accessible to older adults at various fitness levels, whether you are looking to practice traditional yoga or chair yoga.(Aging Untold)Why yoga is a powerful practice for older adults
Whether you are looking to practice traditional yoga or chair yoga, this form of exercise is accessible to older adults at various fitness levels.
The Aging Untold experts say that you do not need flexibility to start yoga. It’s a benefit you gain through practice.
Dr. Rhea Rogers, a board-certified physician, said yoga provides strength, balance and a calming effect. Stretching muscles during yoga builds strength.
Katherine Ambrose, an aging-well coach and a 200-hour-certified yoga instructor, said the practice teaches body awareness and breathing techniques.
Tim Evans volunteered to be the first participant in a study focused on improving the quality of life for ALS patients.(Aging Untold)Doctors say study could unlock new paths to independence for people with ALS
The most challenging chapter of Dee and Tim Evans’ marriage started on Valentine’s Day in 2014. That was the day they received Tim’s diagnosis of ALS.
ALS has no cure, and the disease has severely impacted Tim’s speech and upper body movement.
He decided to take part in new research that is showing promise for ALS patients.
Tim volunteered to be the first participant in a study at Johns Hopkins Medicine in Baltimore led by Dr. Nathan Crone, who said the study’s focus is to improve the quality of life for people with ALS.
“The more I thought about it, do I just wanna sit at home, do nothing, and die? Or do I want to lend the rest of my life helping others?” Tim said.
Cathy Day works two jobs and still finds time to serve her community.(Aging Untold)Vermont woman finds purpose serving community
Cathy Day is the librarian in Bethel, Vermont, a sandwich shop worker and makes time to volunteer for people in need.
Day started a soup kitchen, providing monthly meals for those in need. She also organizes a monthly meetup at the library where friends gather to create cards for children with osteosarcoma, or bone cancer.
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