What Is Sarcopenia and Why Geriatric Care Might Just Save Your Strength
- Melanie Tan
- Jul 17
- 3 min read
Losing strength with age isn’t just about getting “old and tired.” It could be sarcopenia, a condition that sounds like a dinosaur but quietly weakens your muscles, mobility, and independence.We spoke with Dr Melanie Tan, Consultant Geriatrician at Straits Geriatrics Centre and one of Singapore’s leading voices in healthy ageing, to unpack why muscle loss matters, how geriatric care helps, and what families can do before it’s too late.
Want to Hear It Straight from Dr Mel?
Get the full story in her radio interview on VintageRadio.SG where she breaks down sarcopenia, why muscle loss matters, and how geriatrics can help you or your loved ones age with strength and dignity.
What Is Sarcopenia, and Why Singaporean Families Should Care
Sarcopenia is the age-related loss of muscle mass and strength. It often shows up subtly, slower walking, trouble getting out of chairs, or avoiding stairs. But left unchecked, it’s a fast-track to falls, hospital stays, and long-term dependence.
Dr Melanie Tan, who regularly treats older adults at both Gleneagles and Toa Payoh, explains:“Sarcopenia is like a silent leak in your foundation. It weakens everything from balance to brain health. But it’s also one of the most preventable problems I see — if caught early.”
In Singapore’s rapidly ageing population, understanding and addressing sarcopenia is critical. Yet most people don’t realise what’s happening until after the first fall. That’s exactly what Dr Mel and her team are working to change.
How Dr Melanie Tan Diagnoses and Treats Sarcopenia with Geriatric Care
Unlike a rushed clinic visit, geriatric assessments at Straits Geriatrics Centre are designed to go deeper. Dr Mel looks at more than just strength. She reviews nutrition, medications, sleep, memory, home safety, and emotional wellbeing, all of which affect muscle health.
Her method is not “exercise more” but “understand the full picture.”“I assess each patient’s real-world lifestyle. That includes what they’re eating, how they move at home, their mood, and any risks from other conditions. From there, we build a plan they can actually follow, not just printouts and hope.”
This is why geriatric care works. It’s not cookie-cutter. It’s personalised, coordinated, and realistic for real lives.
Common Signs of Sarcopenia in Seniors
Watch for these red flags in your parents or loved ones:
Difficulty rising from low chairs or beds
Slower walking or shorter steps
Relying on furniture to move around
Losing weight unintentionally
Feeling tired after short distances
Recent falls or close calls
Many caregivers chalk these up to “old age.” Dr Mel urges otherwise:“If someone’s mobility changes, don’t wait. It’s much easier to intervene early than to undo decline after a fall.”
The Straits Geriatrics Approach: Early, Practical, and Personal
At Straits Geriatrics, sarcopenia care isn’t handled in isolation. Dr Mel and her team work with physiotherapists, nutritionists, and caregivers to tackle the root causes — and support lasting improvements.
Treatment includes:
Muscle strength screening
Medication reviews
Protein intake optimisation
Home-based movement planning
Education for caregivers and helpers
“There’s no ‘magic pill’ for sarcopenia,” Dr Mel says. “But there is a clear roadmap and we help families follow it.”
Whether you're caring for an active 65-year-old or a frail 85-year-old, there’s always a better way forward. Geriatric care just helps you find it sooner.
Where to Find Dr Melanie Tan and the TSGC Team
You can book sarcopenia and falls assessments at either:
Gleneagles Medical Centre – for in-depth assessments and multidisciplinary support
Toa Payoh Community Clinic – for affordable access and follow-up close to home
Straits Geriatrics also offers home visits for those who need support in their own space.
Be Stronger for Longer
Muscle loss doesn’t have to be a life sentence.With early detection and support from a trusted geriatrician like Dr Melanie Tan, your parent can stay mobile, independent, and confident longer into their golden years.
Book a consult at Straits Geriatrics Centre
