Muscle mass and strength decline often begins after age 40

Muscle mass and strength typically peak between the ages of 30 and 35, after which a progressive decline begins. While many people believe that staying generally active is sufficient, experts note that muscle loss and strength reduction often accelerate after age 40, sometimes without visible changes in body weight or appearance.

Skeletal muscle is metabolically active tissue that plays a critical role beyond movement, including blood sugar regulation, metabolism, and sending chemical signals to other body parts. The loss of muscle mass and strength can lead to sarcopenia, a condition associated with weakness, fatigue, and increased vulnerability to falls and injuries in older age.

To mitigate these effects, health specialists recommend incorporating strength training and balance exercises into weekly routines. Maintaining muscle through proper movement, nutrition, and recovery is essential for preserving autonomy and physical stability, such as the ability to climb stairs or stand up from a chair, as one ages.