Knowledge, awareness, behaviours, beliefs, attitudes, and perceptions of older Australians regarding muscle health and sarcopenia: A national survey

Abstract

Objective

This study evaluated older Australians understanding, awareness, knowledge, perceptions, behaviours, beliefs and attitudes towards muscle health and sarcopenia, and barriers towards exercise and nutrition as prevention options.

Methods

A national, anonymous 41-question, online purpose-designed survey covering the concepts outlined in the study objective was conducted from March-May 2024.

Results

1261 adults (≥50-y) aged 50–94 years participated. Low muscle strength and poor function were the most common criteria associated with poor muscle health. Knowledge of common signs/symptoms, risk factors, consequences, and effective treatments was generally high. However, there was uncertainty about unintentional weight loss as a risk factor, increased risk for infection/reduced immunity and chronic conditions as consequences, and ineffective treatments options (only 5–12 % recognised any form of exercise, aerobic exercise and eating more fruits/vegetables as ineffective treatments). Only 8.9 % reported their doctor had discussed muscle health but 82–95 % would act if they received information on risk factors or if informed they were at risk for poor muscle health. Two-thirds recognised sarcopenia as a serious condition, with 48 % concerned about its potential impact, despite 90 % acknowledging muscle health is very important to maintain. Only around half believed they had sufficient knowledge and confidence to adopt lifestyle changes to reduce their risk, with motivation the leading barrier to engaging in exercise or dietary strategies to optimize muscle health.

Conclusion

Older Australians recognize the importance of muscle health, understand key strategies to manage it and would act if identified to be at risk, but many lack knowledge and confidence to adopt lifestyle changes to improve their muscle health.