A gerontologist in Germany demands better diet and more exercising for aging people. Prof. Dr. Jürgen M. Bauer lectures gerontology at the University of Heidelberg since 2014. He was one of the keynote speakers at the 124th Internal Medicine Congress in Mannheim, Germany from April 14 to 17, 2018. Prof. Bauer is demanding a completely new approach to aging people stressing prevention of sarcopenia (muscle wasting). A combination of a fitness program with a protein rich diet would prevent that from happening. Prof. Bauer said: “Der kritische Spieler im Alter ist der Muskel”. This translates into: “The critical player in old age are the muscles”.
An exercise program tailored to the needs of the aging person is key
Prof. Bauer mentioned that many people perceive regular walks as sufficient exercise to maintain muscle mass. But the truth is that it is not enough activity to keep muscle mass from shrinking. Running, dancing and bicycling are better activities. And the best is a combination of activities such as going to a gym, running on a treadmill and doing weights after. We need more programs for elderly and trainers who take an interest in designing programs for muscle preservation in the older age group.
Having an ongoing muscle-strengthening program will prevent sarcopenia and frailty. It will improve and maintain body balance. This will prevent falls and fractures.
Appropriate regular activity is only one column of the aging person to maintain good muscle function.
The right diet for the elderly
The second column of the aging person is a diet right for their age. Many diets do not have enough protein in them, which can cause muscle wasting. When muscles shrink, the metabolism can change. The key according to Prof. Bauer is consuming enough high quality protein. He favors whey, a milk product rich in protein. You can drink it as liquid whey, or you can mix it into other foods as whey powder. Essentially, the digestive organs break down whey into amino acids during the digestive process. The muscles absorb the amino acids and are used to build up muscle bulk. Any vigorous enough exercise program will maintain this muscle mass.
Fish provides other high-value proteins, but meat, plants and other dairy products will also do that. Prof. Bauer does not recommend vegan diets, because patients often become deficient in nutrients, and their muscles tend to fade away.
Better Diet And More Exercising For Aging
Conclusion
Professor Dr. Jürgen M. Bauer is a gerontologist at the University of Heidelberg, Germany since 2014. According to him it is not good enough for aging people to just go for a walk as the only physical activity. More vigorous and most of all regular activity is necessary to prevent the melting away of muscle groups. In addition there is no room for vegan diets in an older person’s food plan. A diet rich in protein is needed to prevent muscle wasting (sarcopenia). Fish, whey protein, milk products and some meat are necessary to maintain your muscle mass. When you combine the proper diet and incorporate a regular adequate physical exercise program in your lifestyle, you will continue to enjoy good muscle bulk. This will help you to combat frailty, maintain your balance and prevent falls and fractures.
