SIGNIFICANCE OF SARCOPENIA IN THE ELDERLY

At the present time, there is only limited understanding of the public health significance of sarcopenia. The well-recognized functional con sequences of sarcopenia include gait and balance problems and increase d risk for fall. Ultimately, these impairments can lead to the loss of physical functional independence. However, sarcopenia may also contri bute to an increased risk for chronic diseases such as diabetes and os teoporosis. Future studies of the pathophysiologic significance of sar copenia need to consider the contribution(s) of muscle properties (9.9 ., muscle fiber composition, muscle blood flow, fatigue characteristic s, innervation) to alterations in physical performance, metabolism and physiology, and skeletal health. More comprehensive studies on the se quelae of sarcopenia are critical to an accurate assessment of the pub lic health burden that sarcopenia poses to the elderly population.