Signs of Sarcopenia: What Ageing Muscles Are Trying to Tell You

Melanie Tan
Jul 17
2 min read

Geriatric nurse assessing muscle strength in a senior woman using a chair stand test in a clinic setting — Simple tests like standing from a chair can reveal early signs of sarcopenia. Early checks lead to stronger years ahead.

The Slow Fade We Shouldn’t Ignore

Your parent used to walk briskly to the market. Now, they take two rest stops just getting to the lift. You ask what’s wrong. They say, “Just getting old.” But what if it’s more than that?

Sarcopenia is the progressive loss of muscle mass and strength as we age. It's common, subtle, and often brushed off, until a fall happens. In Episode 2 of Stronger For Longer, Dr Melanie Tan, Consultant Geriatrician at Straits Geriatrics Centre, breaks down the early signs of sarcopenia and why timely geriatric care can be life-changing.

Listen to Dr Mel’s full interview here

What Are the Early Signs of Sarcopenia?

Dr Mel sees it all the time, families don’t notice the early signs until something dramatic happens. But the warning lights are there. Here’s what to watch for:

Common Signs of Sarcopenia

Slower walking or shorter steps
Trouble rising from low chairs or toilets
Feeling tired after light housework
Weight or muscle loss without dieting
Grabbing walls or furniture to stay balanced
Recent falls, or near misses

“If someone used to walk to the kopitiam and now avoids it, that’s a sign,” says Dr Mel. “It’s not just laziness. It’s functional decline.”

Why Early Signs Matter More Than You Think

Many families only discover sarcopenia after a fall. But by then, it’s often harder to reverse. Early sarcopenia quietly erodes strength, confidence, and independence. Left alone, it can lead to:

Falls and fractures
Prolonged hospital stays
Loss of mobility
Depression or isolation
Caregiver burnout

Dr Mel shares that seniors don’t complain about weakness. They adjust. They avoid stairs. They skip outings. By the time the problem is obvious, rehab is a longer road.

How Dr Melanie Tan and Her Team Respond Early

At Straits Geriatrics Centre, sarcopenia isn’t treated as “just old age.” It’s investigated, understood, and managed holistically.

Dr Mel’s approach includes:
Gait speed testing and chair-stand assessments
Medication review to rule out fatigue-related side effects
Nutritional analysis (hint: many seniors don’t get enough protein)
Tailored muscle-building plans seniors can stick to
Real-world home safety checks
Coordination with family, caregivers, and physios

“We don’t tell people to do 50 push-ups. We work with their reality,” Dr Mel says. “If you can’t stand up from a chair confidently, that’s where we start.”

Don’t Wait for the Fall

Think of sarcopenia like a leaky tap. Small drips lead to a flood. Catching early signs of sarcopenia means you can intervene before your loved one’s independence is at risk.

Straits Geriatrics offers: