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How to Prevent Muscle Loss with Age

Understanding sarcopenia — age-related muscle loss — and how strength exercise and physiotherapy help older adults stay strong and independent.

Daniel Lee

By Daniel Lee

APA Titled Pain Physiotherapist

8 January 2026 6 min read
How to Prevent Muscle Loss with Age

What is age-related muscle loss?

From around middle age, we naturally begin to lose muscle mass and strength — a process called sarcopenia. Left unchecked, it makes everyday tasks harder and increases the risk of falls and frailty. The good news is that it is largely preventable and even reversible with the right exercise.

How to maintain your strength

Muscle responds to being used, at any age. The key is regular, progressive strength exercise.

  • Strength exercises at least twice a week
  • Progressive resistance as you get stronger
  • Enough protein in your diet
  • Staying generally active day to day
  • Targeting the legs and core for independence
  • Consistency over intensity

The role of physiotherapy

A physiotherapist can assess your strength and design a safe, effective program tailored to you — then progress it over time. For older adults, home visit physiotherapy makes strength training accessible and safe, helping you preserve the muscle that keeps you independent.

This article is general information only and isn’t a substitute for individual advice from your doctor or physiotherapist. In an emergency, call 000.

DL

Written and clinically reviewed by Daniel Lee, APA Titled Pain Physiotherapist & Master of Medicine (Pain Management), University of Sydney, AHPRA-registered. Last reviewed January 2026.

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