Sarcopenia beyond muscle: a public health challenge

Abstract

Sarcopenia is often understood as a condition restricted to the loss of muscle mass. However, current evidence supports a broader perspective in which reduced muscle strength and physical performance are closely related to functional decline, falls, hospitalization, disability, and mortality. This perspective is particularly relevant in the context of population aging, in which maintaining functional ability has become a major public health priority. Sarcopenia affects not only individual health but also families, communities, healthcare systems, and social participation. Recent evidence suggests that sarcopenia is common among older community-dwelling adults, although prevalence varies substantially according to diagnostic criteria and assessment methods. Importantly, several of its associated factors, including physical inactivity, poor nutritional status, and some chronic conditions, are potentially modified. Therefore, sarcopenia should not be addressed exclusively within specialized clinical services. Early identification, health promotion, physical activity, nutritional care, rehabilitation, and coordinated action within primary healthcare may contribute to preserving mobility and independence. Physiotherapy has an important role in this process by connecting assessment and rehabilitation with prevention and promotion of functional health. Recognizing sarcopenia as a public health issue may help shift the focus from treating functional loss after it occurs toward preventing or delaying its progression across the life course.

Keywords: Sarcopenia, aging, public health, primary health care, physiotherapy