Definition
The age-related loss of muscle mass and strength, typically beginning around age 30 and accelerating after 60. Biology's way of saying 'use it or lose it' becomes less suggestion and more threat.
Example Usage
Fighting sarcopenia is why my 65-year-old dad still deadlifts twice a week and has better posture than people half his age.
Origin
From Greek 'sarco' (flesh) and 'penia' (loss); coined by researcher Irwin Rosenberg in 1988
Fun Fact
Without resistance training, people lose 3-5% of muscle mass per decade after 30, but this process is largely reversible with proper training at any age.
Source: Geriatric medicine and exercise science research
Related Terms
Translate This Term
See “sarcopenia” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.
Try the Translator