Sarcopenia: a rising geriatric giant: health and economic outcomes of community-dwelling older adults with sarcopenia

Future government policy assumes that elderly people will live at home independently for as long as possible instead of relying on care services. This requires a proactive policy to prevent vulnerability. Elderly people often suffer from poor muscle mass and function, known as sarcopenia, which can lead to vulnerability and an increased fall risk. This dissertation examines the frequency and consequences of sarcopenia in the elderly. Sarcopenia was present in 12% of elderly people who live at home alone, 42% of elderly people who receive home care and 59% of nursing home residents. Elderly patients with sarcopenia experienced greater limitations in their daily activities, lower quality of life and higher healthcare costs. These results confirm the link between sarcopenia and negative consequences for health and healthcare costs. Detecting sarcopenia at an early stage is therefore important for initiating targeted diet and exercise measures.