Perhaps your usual walk to the shops takes a little longer. Mum stops to rest more often, holds the handrail more tightly or needs a push from her arms to get out of a chair.
These changes can be easy to dismiss as “just getting older”. But when everyday movement becomes more difficult, it is worth understanding why. Paying attention early can help identify problems and guide support for her strength, mobility and independence.
Muscles help us stand up, climb stairs, carry groceries and stay steady on our feet. As we age, muscle mass and strength can decline. Reduced activity, inadequate nutrition and certain medical conditions can contribute to this process.
More significant muscle loss and weakness may indicate sarcopenia. Someone affected may find familiar activities increasingly tiring or difficult, even when their body weight has not changed noticeably. Sarcopenia can also occur in people who are overweight, so appearance alone does not tell the whole story.
Slower walking, however, does not automatically mean sarcopenia. Balance problems, changes in vision and medication effects may also affect mobility. A medical assessment helps identify the possible contributors.
Compare Mum’s current abilities with her usual routine. Is she:
• Taking longer to complete a familiar walk?
• Finding stairs or getting out of a chair more difficult?
• Struggling with shopping bags she previously carried comfortably?
• Feeling unsteady, stumbling or having falls?
• Eating less, losing weight unintentionally or avoiding outings?
Start with a gentle conversation about how she feels. Note when the changes began and whether they are becoming more noticeable. These details can help the doctor during an assessment. Sudden walking difficulty needs urgent medical attention.
A weighing scale measures total weight, but it cannot show how much of that weight comes from muscle or fat.
Body composition analysis uses bioelectrical impedance analysis to estimate muscle mass, body fat and body water. This provides additional information that can help a healthcare professional assess muscle health and follow changes over time. At Healthsprings Medical Clinics, we use the InBody system for body composition assessment.
For example, someone’s weight may remain similar while their muscle mass decreases and body fat increases. A body composition assessment can help bring these changes to attention.
Results should be considered alongside medical history and physical checks, such as grip strength, walking speed or the ability to rise from a chair. Body composition analysis alone cannot diagnose sarcopenia or measure how well someone moves. Hydration can also affect readings, so consistent testing conditions help when comparing results.
Supporting Core Strength with HIFEM
High-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) technology stimulates strong, repeated muscle contractions without requiring you to perform exercises such as sit-ups. This allows targeted muscles to work while you rest during treatment.
HIFEM can be used to target areas such as the abdomen and buttocks as part of a muscle-toning programme. At Healthsprings, we use the EMBODY system, which uses HIFEM technology for targeted muscle stimulation.
The abdominal muscles form part of the core, which helps support the spine, maintain posture and stabilise the trunk during everyday movement.
For suitable individuals, HIFEM muscle toning can complement exercises that develop strength, balance and coordination. A doctor will assess medical suitability and advise how treatment can fit into an overall muscle health plan.
Taking the First Step
Supporting Mum’s health begins with noticing what has become harder and listening to what she wants to keep doing.
Speak with our doctors at Healthsprings Medical Clinic about changes in strength or mobility, body composition assessment and whether HIFEM muscle toning may be suitable.
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