Exercise, sarcopenia, cognition, and mood.

Abstract

Sarcopenia is the decline in muscle mass that occurs with normal aging. Sarcopenia is a major cause of frailty, disability, and loss of independence in the elderly [1]. It is not a disease and is seen even in master athletes as they age. However, exercise can reverse many of the effects of sarcopenia, and even make elderly people stronger than sedentary young ones. Exercise is also known to have beneficial effects on mood, which is often depressed in people with sarcopenia, and it may have psychological as well as physiological benefits in this population.