Older adults across Australia are struggling to meet their daily protein requirements, and the consequences are becoming increasingly clear. Low protein intake is emerging as a major contributor to sarcopenia, frailty and falls, according to University of Melbourne researcher Dr Sandra Iuliano. Despite its prevalence, sarcopenia often slips under the radar in clinical settings, especially in aged-care homes where meals frequently fall short of nutritional needs.
Dr Iuliano notes that older adults require around 1.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight each day to stimulate muscle protein synthesis and overcome age-related anabolic resistance. Yet research from 60 aged-care homes, involving over 7,000 residents, found that 80 per cent were malnourished or at risk. Simply increasing high-protein, high-calcium foods from two to four daily serves led to striking outcomes: fewer falls, fewer fractures and nearly halved hip fracture rates.
Importantly, sarcopenia isn’t limited to thinner individuals. In fact, excess body fat can mask dangerously low muscle levels, with an estimated 11 per cent of older adults worldwide experiencing sarcopenic obesity. This is where objective assessment becomes crucial. A DEXA scan provides a precise measurement of lean mass and is one of the most reliable ways to track changes over time. Annual scans can help identify early declines in muscle, guide targeted exercise programs and even inform protein prescription to ensure intake meets physiological needs.
Dr Iuliano’s work highlights the role of simple, familiar whole foods—milk, cheese, yoghurt, eggs, lean meats, legumes and nuts—in supporting healthy ageing. Eggs, for example, offer leucine for muscle maintenance along with Vitamin D, Omega-3s and choline. She advocates a return to traditional, protein-rich meals spread evenly across the day to avoid long catabolic periods.
Ultimately, the message is straightforward: prioritise high-quality protein, maintain resistance exercise and use objective tools like DEXA to monitor muscle health. These small, consistent habits can make a meaningful difference in mobility, independence and overall quality of life as we age.
Adapted from AusDoc 27 October 2025.
