Here are some points from an article about how to keep from losing muscle mass due to aging.
Main point: “…we really should avoid slacking off when it comes to moving our behinds.”
Key points:
- “…the slow decline of muscle tissue in our bodies actually begins in our 30s, with an average of between three to five percent muscle loss every year.”
- “Muscle growth, or regeneration after injury, involves satellite cells.
- When they divide into a new generation of cells, they can either become more satellite cells, or myoblasts – cells which then divide into muscle cells.
- When they’re not used however, satellite cells go into an energy-saving dormancy.”
- “…satellite cells are activated through various signalling pathways following exercise.”
- “…if satellite cells stay dormant for too long, the waste build-up can cause damage, preventing the cells from dividing and replacing themselves.”
- “giving these cells a regular prod through exercise, to remind them how to be active, helps more of them retain their full function.”
The bottom line, therefore, is to move our bottoms!