Understanding Sarcopenia: How Families Can Support Ageing Parents at Home In Dublin

As our parents age, it’s completely normal to notice changes in strength, mobility and confidence. Many families see small shifts — a slower walking pace, difficulty with stairs, or reduced energy — and quietly wonder:

“Is this just ageing, or something we should pay attention to?”

One common and often overlooked part of the ageing process is sarcopenia — the gradual loss of muscle strength and muscle mass. While it may sound technical, understanding it can help families take small but meaningful steps that keep parents living safely, comfortably, and happily at home for longer.

This guide offers a gentle, practical overview of sarcopenia and highlights how the right supports (including physiotherapy, simple daily movement, and live-in companionship through Elder Home Share) can make a big difference.

What Is Sarcopenia (In Simple Terms)?

Sarcopenia is a natural part of ageing where the muscles gradually become weaker. It’s more common after age 70 but can begin earlier. The important thing to know is:

Sarcopenia is not inevitable — and it can be slowed, managed, and even improved with the right approach.

Studies show that a combination of regular movement, strength-building exercise, balance work, and good nutrition can significantly boost mobility and independence in older adults.

Why Strength Matters for Staying at Home

Most older adults want to stay in their own home for as long as possible — and families want that too. Maintaining strength is key to:

• Getting up from a chair or bed comfortably

• Moving safely around the home

• Keeping confidence with stairs

• Reducing falls

• Staying socially connected

• Remaining independent with daily tasks

  
  

It’s these little day-to-day abilities that make the difference between managing well at home and struggling at home.

And this is where early, supportive intervention can make a huge impact.

Gentle chair exercises with an HSE career, while a home-share companion arrives with groceries — everyday support that helps older adults stay active, connected and confidently at home.

Practical Ways Families Can Support an Ageing Parent

1. Encourage Gentle, Regular Movement

This doesn’t need to be complicated. Short, consistent sessions are more effective than occasional big efforts. A physiotherapist can design a programme tailored to your parent’s needs — often 10–15 minutes a day is enough to start.

Useful exercises may include:

• Sit-to-stand (from a chair)

• Light resistance exercises (bands or bodyweight)

• Balance practice

• Walking in short, safe intervals

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2. Look at Nutrition (Especially Protein)

As people age, they often eat less without realising it. Adequate protein — from foods like eggs, yoghurt, fish, poultry, beans and lentils — helps maintain muscle strength. A GP or dietitian can give personalised guidance.

3. Involve a Physiotherapist Early

A physio can assess strength, balance, gait and falls risk, and then create a personalised plan. This puts structure and support around what your parent can do safely — and strengthens their confidence as well as their muscles.

4. Create a Supportive Home Environment

Simple changes can make home life easier:

• Good lighting

• Removing tripping hazards

• Handrails or grab rails

• A chair with the right height

• Non-slip mats

• Clear pathways

These adjustments help your parent feel safer and more in control.

How Elder Home Share Support Helps Maintain Independence

Many families find that as a parent’s mobility changes — or if mild cognitive changes appear — they worry about them being alone for long periods, especially at night.

This is where live-in companionship can make all the difference.

ElderHomeShare.ie — A Dublin and Nationwide Based Solution

Elder Home Share is an Irish social enterprise that matches an older person with a carefully vetted home share companion who provides:

• Evening presence and reassurance

• Help with light household tasks

• Social connection and conversation

• Gentle encouragement to stay active

• A regular, friendly person in the home

  
  

This arrangement offers peace of mind for families and meaningful support for the older person — without the intensity or cost of full-time care.

It works beautifully alongside HSE home-care hours, physiotherapy, and family involvement, creating a well-rounded support network.

For many Dublin families, this blend of companionship and practical help is exactly what allows a parent to remain at home safely and happily.

A Positive, Preventative Approach That Works

When you combine:

• Small, regular strength-building exercise

• Good nutrition

• Physiotherapy input

• A safe home setup

• Consistent companionship (e.g., Elder Home Share)

  
  

you create the conditions for your parent to maintain independence for much longer.

The goal is not perfection — it’s steady, supported living.

Sarcopenia becomes far less of a concern when families take early, gentle, proactive steps.

Final Thoughts

Ageing doesn’t have to mean losing independence. With the right supports, many Dublin-based older adults continue living at home — safely, comfortably, and with dignity. To Learn more about how Elder Home Share works click here.