Which statement best defines sarcopenia?

Which statement best defines sarcopenia?

• A. Age-related decline in bone density.
• B. Increased fat mass.
• C. Decreased joint flexibility.
• D. Age-related loss of muscle mass and strength.

Answer: (D)

Sarcopenia is the age-related loss of muscle mass and strength, which leads to reduced mobility and functional ability in older adults. The statement that describes both shrinking muscles and weaker strength best fits what sarcopenia is. Declines in bone density describe osteoporosis, not muscle loss. Increased fat mass relates to obesity and body composition changes but doesn’t define sarcopenia by itself. Decreased joint flexibility points to joint or soft-tissue issues like arthritis, not the loss of muscle tissue and strength.

Sarcopenia is the age-related loss of muscle mass and strength, which leads to reduced mobility and functional ability in older adults. The statement that describes both shrinking muscles and weaker strength best fits what sarcopenia is. Declines in bone density describe osteoporosis, not muscle loss. Increased fat mass relates to obesity and body composition changes but doesn’t define sarcopenia by itself. Decreased joint flexibility points to joint or soft-tissue issues like arthritis, not the loss of muscle tissue and strength.