Muscle strength is a relevant metric of aging. Greater adherence to Mediterranean diet is associated with better health outcomes across all life stages; however, evidence on the relationship between Mediterranean diet and muscle strength in older adults is inconclusive. In this study, we evaluated the relationship between adherence to Mediterranean diet and handgrip strength in a large sample of community-dwelling older adults from the Longevity Check-up 7+ project. A total of 2963 participants (mean age 72.8 ± 5.7 years; 54.4% women) were analyzed. Mediterranean diet adherence was evaluated using a modified Medi-Lite score and categorized as low (≤8), good (9 to 11), or high (≥12). Handgrip strength was categorized as normal or low according to cut-points by the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 2. Older adults with lower Mediterranean diet adherence had a significantly higher prevalence of probable sarcopenia (25.9%) than those with good (19.1%) or high (15.5%) adherence. The proportion of participants with probable sarcopenia increased with age, but it remained lower in the good and high adherence groups. Logistic regression showed that greater Mediterranean diet adherence was associated with a lower risk of probable sarcopenia. Older age, female sex, and physical inactivity were associated with a greater risk of probable sarcopenia. Our findings emphasize the positive association between healthy lifestyles, including adherence to Mediterranean diet, and physical function in old age.

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A recent review by Kumari and Khanna examined the prevalence of sarcopenic obesity using various comorbidities, diagnostic markers, and possible therapeutic approaches. The authors discussed the strong impact of sarcopenic obesity on quality of life (QoL) and physical health. In addition, there are significant interactions among bone, muscle, and adipose tissue, and the concomitant presence of osteoporosis, sarcopenia, and obesity, termed osteosarcopenic obesity, represents a terrible trio for postmenopausal women and older adults as each of these conditions is associated with adverse outcomes in terms of morbidity, mortality, and QoL in several domains. Timely diagnosis, prevention, and pro-health education are crucial for improving QoL in patients with osteoporosis, sarcopenia, and obesity. Education and prevention play a pivotal role in the long term for individuals to have longer and healthier lives. Osteoporosis, sarcopenia, and obesity share modifiable risk factors that may benefit from physical activity, a healthy and balanced diet, and lifestyle changes. "Prevention is better than cure" and planning are proven strategies for individuals and sustainable healthcare.

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On December 2022, the American Heart Association (AHA) released a new scientific statement on management of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in older adults. (1) Here we summarize and comment on some of the key points from the paper.