Risk of sarcopenia among older adults and associated factors in daily life

Abstract

Background: Sarcopenia-associated lifestyle factors are not fully recognised. Community nurses could identify such factors and promote intervention strategies, mitigating the risk of sarcopenia.

Aims: To investigate the health indicators and lifestyle factors that have an impact on increased sarcopenia risk among older adults in the community.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with data collected using a structured questionnaire. The SARC-F questionnaire was used for the risk assessment of sarcopenia. The Barthel index, Fatigue Severity Scale, Visual Analogue Scale and Athens Insomnia Scale were used to assess functionality, fatigue and sleep. The duration of sleep was self-reported. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used for the data analysis.

Findings: A total of 100 subjects (median age=72.50 years) were included in this pilot study. Among the participants, 19% were identified as being at risk for sarcopenia. Functionality, fatigue and sleep difficulties predicted the risk for sarcopenia.

Conclusions: Community nurses could identify older adults at risk of sarcopenia by recognising the associated factors in everyday life.

Implications for practice: Nurses in community settings could contribute to the prevention, early detection, slow progression or even potential reversal of sarcopenia by identifying, evaluating and addressing related factors to sarcopenia in the daily lives of community-dwelling older adults. Conducting routine screenings for muscle strength and function, promoting targeted exercise programmes and providing nutritional guidance to support muscle health can make a significant difference. Nurses and other healthcare professionals can collaborate to develop personalised intervention plans to provide comprehensive care to older adults for mobility and independence.

Keywords: SARC-F questionnaire; falls; fatigue; functionality; lifestyle factors; sarcopenia; sleep difficulties.