Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: India’s doctors are raising the alarm over a little-known condition that could quietly rob millions of older people of their mobility and independence: sarcopenia, or age-related muscle loss.To tackle the problem, the Geriatric Society of India has released the country’s first “Indian Guidelines for the Evaluation and Management of Sarcopenia.” The recommendations, developed by experts across multiple specialties including geriatric medicine, orthopaedics, endocrinology, physiotherapy and nutrition, aim to help doctors detect and treat muscle loss early — before it leads to falls, disability and loss of independence.
Sarcopenia, which literally means “loss of flesh,” refers to the gradual decline in muscle mass, strength and physical function with ageing. Doctors say it is often overlooked but can significantly increase the risk of fractures, hospitalisation and even death.The concern comes as India’s population ages rapidly. By 2050, the country is expected to have around 319 million people aged 60 and above, more than one-fifth of the population. Experts warn that without preventive steps, sarcopenia could become a major public health challenge.Studies suggest the condition affects 8–18% of older adults living in the community, rising to 25–40% among hospitalised elderly patients, with higher risk among people with chronic diseases such as diabetes.Dr O.P. Sharma, who led the guidelines, stressed that muscle health is central to healthy ageing. “Strength preserves dignity. Early detection saves independence,” he said, noting that sedentary lifestyles, poor nutrition and chronic illnesses are accelerating muscle loss among seniors.The guidelines advise doctors to look for warning signs such as weak grip strength, slower walking speed and difficulty getting up from a chair. Screening tools like the SARC-F questionnaire can help identify people at risk, particularly in primary care settings.Experts say the encouraging news is that sarcopenia can often be prevented or slowed with simple lifestyle measures. Strength-training exercises two to three times a week, adequate protein intake and correcting vitamin D deficiency are among the key recommendations. Doctors also advise including protein sources such as dal, paneer, soy and pulses, especially in vegetarian diets.Dr Raju Vaishya of Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals said awareness about muscle health remains low. “India is a sarcopenic nation,” he said, citing poor nutrition, inactivity and ageing as key drivers.Dr Randeep Guleria said the guidelines aim to bring muscle health into routine medical care. “They bridge science with clinical wisdom, making sarcopenia visible in everyday practice,” he said.Doctors say early detection and treatment could help millions of seniors remain mobile, independent and healthier for longer, easing the growing healthcare burden of an ageing population.
