New Research May Help Older Adults Retain Muscle Mass and Strength

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We are what we eat—right down to our bones.

As we age, many of us will face a number of health-related challenges. One big concern for older adults is a decrease in muscle strength (sarcopenia) and bone loss (osteoporosis). There is evidence that up to 50% of adults may suffer muscle loss as they age and further research estimates 54 million U.S. adults have low bone density or osteoporosis. Unfortunately, an osteoporotic fracture occurs every 3 seconds according to the International Osteoporosis Foundation.

The impact of these diseases on muscles and bones can be devastating, causing problems with musculoskeletal structure, balance, and walking capability all which may contribute to a greater risk of falls—the largest cause of death among older adults. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest that millions of adults over the age of 65 fall each year. And with a fall many seniors sustain severe injuries that leave them unable to care for themselves and compromise quality of life. Sadly, some may even succumb to their injuries.

Yet, despite these grim facts there is good news! Some of the loss of muscle strength and bone mass can be prevented by adjusting our actions. From my perspective, what we eat has a huge potential to greatly influence our life as it is a daily activity! One defining moment for Hebrew SeniorLife’s Institute for Aging Research (IFAR) was our study that shows older adults need more protein in their diets prompting national aging organizations to change their recommendations for dietary protein intake.

Another exciting area of our work that I believe will benefit older men and women moves beyond research of a single nutrient and toward evaluating food intake patterns. A recently published IFAR study found that a protein-rich diet may help preserve leg muscle mass and strength, which in turn could prevent falls in older adults.

We have all read the headlines of the impact of vitamin D or calcium on bone health, or that eating a certain food will improve bone or muscle strength. But is understanding how just one nutrient impacts the body enough?  If we truly are what we eat, then aging research needs to follow by investigating what is eaten as a dietary level. The ability to improve the lives of millions of older adults is within reach—through research that helps us make informed choices in our daily lives.

Practice what we preach. You don’t have to be a meat eater to partake in a protein-rich diet. There are plenty of delicious recipes easily accessible in cookbooks or online that incorporate meatless protein like tofu or tempeh. Try this meatless and protein-fueled recipe from Hebrew Rehabilitation Center Culinary Services Director Misha Shtivelman:

BROCCOLI AND MUSHROOM STRATA

Yields: 8 portions

  • Broccoli, Chopped – 3 cups
  • Mushrooms, Sliced – 1 ½ cups
  • Challah Bread, Cubed  – ¼ loaf
  • Eggs – 8 whole + 8 whites
  • Low Salt Cottage Cheese – ½ cup
  • Skim Milk – ½ cup
  • Shredded Mozzarala, Part Skim – ½ cup
  • Shredded Cheddar – ½ cup
  • Chopped Thyme – 1 tsp
  • Chopped Garlic – 1tsp
  • Salt – ¼ tsp
  • Ground black pepper – ¼ tsp
  • Pan Spray – just enough to coat

Method:

  1. Coat a large glass pan with cooking spray. Combine mushrooms, broccoli, and challah bread in the pan.
  2. In a separate bowl, combine all remaining ingredients until just incorporated.
  3. Pour mixture into pan over the bread, etc.
  4. To allow the bread to soak up the egg mixture, let stand for 5 minutes.
  5. Cover with plastic wrap and foil and bake in a 300F oven until firm in the middle (about 50 minutes)
  6. Uncover the pans and allow to bake for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the tops to lightly brown.
  7. Garnish Options:  chopped fresh parsley / chopped fresh chives.

About the IFAR Musculoskeletal Research Center
The overarching objective of the Musculoskeletal Research Center at IFAR is to conduct research and disseminate findings on common musculoskeletal conditions of aging such as osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, hyperkyphosis (excessive forward curvature), sarcopenia (loss of muscle mass) and foot disorders, as well as biomechanics of the skeletal system. We promote interdisciplinary research to understand the mechanisms underlying musculoskeletal diseases. We test interventions to prevent the occurrence of disease, their progression and disabling outcomes in older adults.

As part of their independent senior life, Orchard Cove residents work with coaches in the Vitalize 360 program to set fitness goals and develop a plan to achieve them.  With access to a full calendar of enriching programs and opportunities for personal exploration, Vitalize 360 helps you realize lifelong dreams, rekindle forgotten interests and discover new passions.

Learn how setting and achieving goals gives us life purpose as we age. “Achieving Lifelong Goals with Vitalize 360™” is a free luncheon that will be held at The Cape Codder Resort on September 27, 2016, from noon to 2 pm. Presenter Susan Flashner-Fineman, M.Ed., is Orchard Cove’s Vitalize 360™ Coach and Fitness Director. She is also a trained wellness coach, and her mission is to guide and inspire every resident to live their best and most fulfilled life possible. To register, call 781-821-1730 or fill out the form: http://www.orchardcoveliving.org/

Content contributed by Marian T. Hanna, Senior Scientist, Research Interest and Teaching Activities

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