Hey

Earlier this year, I wrote two posts that were a bit out of the ordinary for me. 

The first, titled "Pain By Numbers," discussed the discrepancy in funding for women's health research. The second, "The Diet Trap," delved into how this lack of funding affects our everyday lives, right down to the foods we eat.

I was blown away by the number of questions and comments I received in response to both posts, with the majority focused on food: what to eat, when to eat, and how to eat. It became clear that we needed an open conversation about aging, diets, and women's health. The problem was that the topic was so broad that I didn't know where to start. 

Right on cue, an article titled "Millions of Women Are 'Under-Muscled'" landed in my inbox to give me an idea. In the coming weeks, we'll discuss changing hormones, eating protein, and age-related muscle loss.

Have you heard of age-related muscle loss, ? 

I wasn't familiar with it until I was in my 50s, and I wish someone had told me about it sooner! Age-related muscle loss, also known as sarcopenia, is a huge concern for us women as we age. 

Here is why:

1. Muscle loss significantly impacts our overall health and functionality. As muscle mass decreases, women may experience a decline in strength, mobility, and balance, which increases the risk of falls and fractures.
 

2. Sarcopenia is associated with reduced quality of life, increased disability, and higher mortality rates.
 

3. Reduced muscle mass contributes to metabolic disturbances in women, leading to an increased risk of weight gain and obesity as there are fewer muscles to burn calories.
 

4. Sarcopenia is linked to insulin resistance and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
 

5. Muscle loss in women exacerbates issues related to bone health. Muscles play a crucial role in supporting bone density, and a decline in muscle mass can lead to accelerated bone loss and an increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
 

6. Sarcopenia significantly impacts daily activities and independence in older women, making it difficult to perform tasks such as lifting objects, climbing stairs, or getting up from a chair, which compromises living independently.
 

And the scariest part: 

Studies show that by the time we reach 70, 50% of all women (every other woman) may have developed some degree of muscle loss. More on muscle loss and what you can do to prevent (and even reverse!) next week. 

In the meantime, the early bird registrations for the upcoming spring yoga session are in full swing, and classes are filling up quickly. 

Secure your spot today!