Consequences of Sarcopenia in Older People: The Epidemiological Evidence

Sarcopenia is a common condition in older people. Increasing literature is showing its importance for negative health outcomes, also beyond the perimeter of geriatric medicine. In this chapter, we will discuss the consequences of sarcopenia. Overall, epidemiological research suggests that sarcopenia is significantly associated with falls and fractures also suggesting a strong association between muscle and bone loss conditions, as in the case of osteosarcopenia. Moreover, sarcopenia is associated with disability, hospitalization (particularly in older people already hospitalized), and finally mortality. Increasing research is also showing that sarcopenia is associated with negative outcomes in surgical procedures involving older people. All these epidemiological findings strongly support an early detection of sarcopenia that is a modifiable condition, if appropriately treated.