COVID-19 and Sarcopenia in the Elderly: Integrative Review

Abstract

The number of new cases diagnosed with covid-19 has increased dramatically in recent times, totaling approximately 235 millions confirmed individuals around the world. By checking the incidence of the disease together with the number of deaths from it, it is possible to observe a higher mortality in the elderly. The influencing factor of vulnerability in this population consists of physiological changes in the body's organic systems, in particular, sarcopenia related to the muscle. Objective: To analyze the impact of covid -19 in the elderly and what is its relationship with the development and worsening of sarcopenia in senile individuals. Method: The study is characterized as an integrative review. Results: After reviewing and reading according to the study criteria, 07 articles were eligible, of which three addressed the direct relationship of the decrease in muscle composition with covid-19, two other articles exposed the way that the covid-19 pandemic impacted the lives of the elderly and two demonstrated the influence of physical exercise on the elderly and its importance during the pandemic. Conclusion: Elderly people with reduced lean mass are more prone to severe symptoms, hospitalization and even death, after covid-19 contamination. In addition, the social isolation, necessary for the containment of the virus, provided a great negative impact on the physical and emotional aspects of the studied population. Thus, the need for physical exercise, with due precautions, is evident for this group to reduce as much as possible the risks associated with sarcopenia.