Overview of resistance training, diet, hormone replacement and nutritional supplements on age-related sarcopenia--a minireview.

Abstract

American society favors life style habits that lead to a plethora of physical disabilities, i.e., poor nutrition and a lack of exercise contribute to chronic disabilities and disease. Even though our life expectancies have increased, chronic disorders such as sarcopenia, diabetes, stroke and cardiovascular disease have become more prevalent. Nevertheless, Americans are slowly becoming more educated in health practices. A variety of therapies and nutritional supplements are being investigated to prevent and/or counteract chronic health disorders and aging. Muscle wasting referred to as "sarcopenia" commonly occurs in the elderly. This is very unfortunate, because the aging human body has the intrinsic ability to maintain itself in a healthy state, e.g., maintain muscle. Proper physical activity and a healthful diet in the elderly are the best ways to counteract the sarcopenia and other aspects of the aging phenomenon. In addition, potential replacement therapy and supplements are fervently being researched in hope of finding the next "Fountain of Youth." With important discoveries made everyday, progress is being made towards a future where both the young and old will have an improved quality of life based on improved knowledge of fitness, nutrition, replacement and supplemental therapy.