Older adults tend to lose muscular strength because muscle cells get larger in size. attach to the nervous system i. increase in number. get smaller in size.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is “get smaller in size.”
Explanation:
As older adults age, a common physiological change that occurs is the loss of muscular strength. This is primarily due to a reduction in muscle mass and a decrease in the size of muscle fibers. This phenomenon is known as sarcopenia, which refers to the gradual decline in muscle mass and strength that typically occurs with aging. Several factors contribute to this process.
1. Decrease in Muscle Fiber Size:
One of the most significant changes in muscle cells as a person ages is the decrease in the size of muscle fibers. Muscle fibers, or myofibrils, become smaller and less efficient. The decrease in fiber size leads to weaker muscle contractions, making it harder for older adults to perform tasks that require strength, such as lifting objects or standing up from a seated position. This reduction in muscle size is mainly due to a decrease in the synthesis of proteins necessary for maintaining muscle tissue and an increase in the breakdown of muscle proteins.
2. Decrease in Muscle Fiber Number:
While the size of muscle fibers reduces, there is also a decrease in the total number of muscle fibers over time. The loss of muscle fibers contributes to a further decrease in muscle strength. This decrease can be linked to a reduction in physical activity and hormonal changes that occur with aging, such as reduced levels of growth hormone and testosterone, which play important roles in muscle maintenance.
3. Neurological Changes:
Another contributing factor to muscle weakness in older adults is the decline in neuromuscular function. The nervous system’s ability to communicate with muscles deteriorates with age, leading to reduced motor control and slower response times. This affects the efficiency of muscle contractions, further exacerbating the loss of strength.
4. Physical Inactivity:
Many older adults experience a decrease in physical activity due to various factors such as joint pain, reduced mobility, and fatigue. This lack of physical activity accelerates the loss of muscle mass. Regular physical exercise, especially strength training, can help counteract the effects of sarcopenia and maintain muscle strength.
In conclusion, the primary reason older adults lose muscular strength is due to the decrease in the size of muscle fibers, which diminishes the overall strength and functionality of muscles.