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Social Security Disability

• Symptoms of Autism That May Qualify for Social Security Disability in New York
• 7 Intellectual Disability Impairments That May Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits
• How Anxiety Disorder Can Restrict Filing for Disability in New York
• 3 Ways to Prepare for Social Security Disability Hearing in New York
• 6 Steps in Filing a Social Security Disability Claim in New York

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Social Security Disability

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Elderly Muscle Loss Costs Billions in Social Security

Posted on Sep 27, 2010

August 30, 2010 - Recent studies conducted at several universities aim to find out - and correct - why humans lose so much muscle mass and strength as they age. The study is backed by organizations such as the National Institute on Aging.

The New York Times recently released an article which discusses muscle loss and the elderly. Studies estimated that in 2000, the cost of disability caused by muscle loss, known as sarcopenia, was about $18.5 billion in direct medical bills. This was the equivalent of about 1.5% of the national health care expenditure that year.

Sarcopenia is a relatively new term coined for the natural loss of muscle tone, mass and strength as people age. By the time an adult reaches age 80 they typically have 30% less muscle mass than a 20-year-old. This condition of age-related muscle loss is being compared to the effects of osteoporosis on bones, where the loss increases with age.

In an era where the baby boomer generation is beginning to experience this condition, coupled with the fact that humans are living longer, geriatric specialists are trying to have sarcopenia classified and formally defined. This is so more extensive studies can be conducted.

A sarcopenia task force met in Rome in November 2009 and in Albuquerque, N.M., in July 2010 to develop the proposal for publication in a medical journal. Several drug and food companies supported the meetings.

Sarcopenia researchers say that the condition is often the reason so many seniors are classified as disabled and cannot live independently. Loss of mobility and strength give rise to more wheelchairs and the need to place elderly adults in assisted living facilities earlier than necessary. The assistance given to many elderly who suffer from sarcopenia is funded largely by Social Security disability benefits and other federal and state health programs.

Currently, sarcopenia is a condition without a defined treatment protocol, partially because there is no single cause. Doctors say the best preventive measures are to exercise regularly, particularly with resistance training. One of the main causes for muscle loss is inactivity, especially seen with bedridden patients. Diets rich in Vitamin D and protein have also shown to help elderly patients maintain muscle health.

Contacting a New York Disability Lawyer 

Before you hire a New York disability lawyer, order this complimentary guide: 5 Mistakes to Avoid when Filing a Social Security Disability Claim, to give you an idea of the Social Security disability claims process. Contact a New York disability lawyer at Decker, Decker, Dito & Internicola for more information about your case - 800-976-4904.

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Decker Decker Dito & Internicola, LLP the New York Social Security Disability Law Firm.  If you have suffered an injury or illness and unable to work, contact Social Security Disability Lawyer Frank J. Dito, Jr., Esq. at 800. 976. 4904.  Mr. Dito is an experienced trial and disability lawyer who represents disabled and injured individuals and their families in getting the benefits that they deserve. Frank is the author of "A Lawyers Guide to Car Insurance", the publisher of the "New York Injury Law Blog" and he is a frequent speaker regarding the recovery of benefits and the preservation of rights resulting from accidents and work place injuries. If you or a family member has a question about disability benefits contact disability lawyer Frank J. Dito, Jr. to discuss your legal rights and how he can assist you in obtaining the benefits you deserve.

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IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: The information contained on this website is provided for general educational purposes only, should not be relied on as legal advice and does not serve to create an attorney client relationship. In utilizing this website you acknowledge that there is no attorney client relationship between you and Frank J. Dito, Esq. and that the information contained on this site does not and cannot serve as a replacement for the competent legal advice of a licensed attorney in your state. The content of this website is subject to the Copyright of its author, Frank J. Dito, Esq.