"It can start from the age of 40 onwards, and the process speeds up dramatically after the age of 60..."

How to combat age-related muscle loss

Why it happens and what you can do

"Sarcopenia is the medical term for muscle loss, from the Greek meaning 'vanishing flesh,' and is a natural part of ageing. When we lose muscle mass, it affects our strength and functional fitness, and can eventually make it hard to perform everyday tasks, such as carrying shopping and climbing the stairs.

It can start from the age of 40 onwards, and the process speeds up dramatically after the age of 60, doubling from 0.5% per year to 1%, then 2% at age 70, and 4% at the age of 80.

The problem is widespread, in part due to many people having a sedentary lifestyle. It's estimated that a third of people in care homes may have sarcopenia, increasingly the risk of frailty and falls. It's also an issue that's getting worse. Experts predict that 63 per cent more pensioners could suffer from sarcopenia by 2045 – with women more affected than men."