According to new research, seniors with low muscle density are more likely to be hospitalized that those with a more moderate ratio.
Muscle density is a measure of the ratio of lean tissue to fat contained within muscle, and scientists now believe it is a better predictor of a persons risk of hospitalization than muscle mass or size.
The study, which was conducted by a team from the California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute, analyzed more than 3,000 healthy adults between the ages of 70 and 80 for an average of 5 years and looked at their walking speeds, ability to stand up repeatedly and leg strength.
They found that the largest number of hospitalizations occurred among those with the least dense muscles.
“The findings are particularly important because they suggest that interventions, such as physical exercise, that improve physical function could help keep more vulnerable seniors out of the hospital,” says Dr Peggy Cawthon, the studys lead author.
In addition to exercise, there are other natural health resources that the elderly or their caregivers can tap into to ensure stronger muscles, including a diet that ensures proper protein intake. 