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🇰🇷 South Korea /Health & Science

1 in 4 Koreans over 80 have sarcopenia; handgrip test key indicator

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • One in four South Koreans aged 80 or older suffers from sarcopenia, a condition characterized by muscle loss and decreased physical function.
  • Handgrip strength is identified as a key indicator for detecting sarcopenia, mental health issues, and declining physical function in the elderly.
  • Health authorities recommend a combination of aerobic and strength training, along with adequate protein intake, to prevent and manage sarcopenia.

Sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle mass and strength, affects one in four South Koreans aged 80 and above, according to a recent analysis of national health data. The condition, which leads to decreased physical function, is a growing concern for the nation's aging population.

One in four elderly people aged 80 or older suffers from sarcopenia.

— Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA)The KDCA released findings from a national health survey on the prevalence of sarcopenia among the elderly.

The study, based on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2022 and 2024, found that 26.9% of individuals aged 80 or older have sarcopenia. While women in their early 60s showed a higher prevalence of sarcopenia than men, this trend reversed in older age groups. For those 80 and above, men had a slightly higher prevalence rate (28.9%) compared to women (25.6%).

Health authorities emphasize that handgrip strength, a measure of hand muscle power, can serve as a crucial indicator for sarcopenia, as well as for declining mental health and overall physical function. Among individuals aged 65 and older with reduced handgrip strength, 85% were found to have sarcopenia. Furthermore, those with lower grip strength reported more difficulty chewing and a significantly higher prevalence of depressive disorders.

Reduced handgrip strength is an important signal showing that various risk factors for frailty, including sarcopenia, are appearing together, so it is necessary to pay attention to it.

— Park Ki-sooProfessor Park Ki-soo of Gyeongsang National University College of Medicine commented on the significance of handgrip strength measurements.

Experts define sarcopenia by specific thresholds: a walking speed below 1 meter per second or handgrip strength below 28 kg for men and 18 kg for women. They advise individuals experiencing noticeable declines in physical function, such as sudden weight loss, frequent falls, or difficulty rising from a seated position, to seek medical attention. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) stresses that while frailty progresses gradually, early detection and management can greatly contribute to maintaining a healthy old age. Recommendations include a balanced diet rich in protein, regular exercise combining aerobic and strength training, and active social engagement.

Frailty progresses slowly, but early detection and management can greatly help maintain a healthy old age.

— Lim Seung-gwanKDCA Commissioner Lim Seung-gwan emphasized the importance of proactive health management for the elderly.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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