For Patients
Supporting you to understand sarcopenia, recognise your risk, access early assessment and find SarC-ED trained healthcare professionals in your area.
What is Sarcopenia?
Sarcopenia is the progressive loss of muscle strength, muscle mass and physical function that can occur with ageing.
While muscle loss can begin as early as our 30s, it becomes increasingly important as we age - particularly from our 60s onwards and during and after menopause.
Sarcopenia can affect strength, mobility and independence, and is associated with an increased risk of falls, fractures and other health complications.
The good news? Early identification provides an opportunity to take action.
How is Sarcopenia assessed?
Sarcopenia is assessed by a short questionnaire to assess risk (SARC-F questionnaire), followed by a series of simple physical tests to determine muscle strength, muscle quality and functional mobility. These tests will take place in a clinical setting by one of our accredited SarC-ED providers.
Where can I get assessed?
Our practitioner directory helps members of the public find healthcare professionals who have completed SarC-ED training and are licensed to deliver the program. Practitioners are required to undergo annual CPD to maintain ongoing licensing.
The directory provides a professional network of practitioners committed to quality, evidence-informed care for sarcopenia and lifestyle management.
What does Sarcopenia management include?
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Nutrition
Adequate nutrition and protein intake play an important role in supporting muscle health throughout life.
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Physical Activity
Resistance exercise, strength and physical activity are important components of maintaining muscle strength, function and physical independence.
Lifestyle Medicine
A whole-person approach to better health
Lifestyle Medicine is a global and rapidly growing interprofessional approach to screening for and managing the lifestyle determinants of health. We apply lifestyle medicine and behaviour change principles to daily clinical practice as an integral part of sarcopenia management.
Our SarC-ED team are certified in lifestyle medicine and fellows of the Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine.