Muscle loss, a condition referred to as sarcopenia, is a natural and unavoidable part of aging. The decline typically begins in your 30s or 40s, with the rate of loss accelerating after the age of 65, resulting in decreased muscle mass, strength and function.
”The rate of muscle loss varies depending on a variety of factors like genetics, activity level and overall health. But on average, adults may lose 3-5% of their muscle mass per decade after 40,” says Faith Arredondo, DPT, Acute Therapy Manager, South Texas Health System McAllen. ”Sarcopenia directly impairs an individual's ability to stand, walk and maintain balance.”
Unfortunately, muscle loss, especially in the lower limbs, significantly impacts daily activities like walking, climbing stairs or even getting out of a chair. Leading to slower movement and difficulty with coordination, sarcopenia can make it harder to react to uneven surfaces or potential hazards and result in an increased risk of falls and fall-related injuries.
“Falls are a significant problem in geriatrics, leading to physical disability, functional impairment and dependency on others for daily activities, with research showing that around one-third of adults over 65 falling each year,” says Arredondo. “The good news: physical activity, including progressive resistance training, has been shown to increase muscle mass, strength and physical performance, which can help reduce the risk of falls.”
To help older adults in the Rio Grande Valley build up their strength, the STHS McAllen Trauma Department and STHS McAllen Outpatient Rehabilitation Center will team up with Prominence Health to host the second of their four-part Falling Out of Danger: Fall Prevention Education Series events on Wednesday, October 8, from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Titled “Strengthening Key Muscle Groups for Fall Prevention,” the session will take place at STHS McAllen, in the facility’s GME Classroom. It will feature STHS McAllen Rehabilitation Services Department staff members providing important education and hands-on training aimed at helping seniors strengthen their legs, core and hips to reduce their risk of falls.
“Throughout the session, we will be highlighting exercises that are designed to challenge the muscles and joints, so you can stay steady and confident on your feet,” says Arredondo. “The best part: the moves are simple, effective and can be done at home without the need for special equipment.”
In addition, the event will include no-cost health screenings, including gait checks, and an expo to highlight senior-related resources provided by STHS, Prominence Health and local community organizations. There’s no need to register for the events which are free to attend. For complete details, visit the STHS Facebook Events page. To learn more about fall prevention strategies, visit the STHS website at https://southtexashealthsystem.com/.
Who: South Texas Health System McAllen Trauma Department, STHS McAllen Outpatient Rehab Center & Prominence Health
What: Falling Out of Danger: Fall Prevention Education Series: Strengthening Key Muscle Groups for Fall Prevention
When: Wednesday, October 8, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Where: GME Classroom South Texas Health System McAllen 301 W. Expressway 83 McAllen, TX 78503
About South Texas Health System
South Texas Health System is a multi-facility healthcare system serving patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley. The system includes four acute care facility campuses with specialties in pediatrics, heart and vascular services, maternity and women’s health and trauma services. Inpatient and outpatient treatment for behavioral health needs and addictive disorders is also provided through the system's South Texas Health System Behavioral facility. South Texas Health System is affiliated with the South Texas Clinical Partners ACO, Prominence Health Plan and Cornerstone Regional Hospital. The system operates an advanced Level I Trauma Center at South Texas Health System McAllen, the first children’s facility and pediatric ER at South Texas Health System Children’s, the region’s only freestanding heart hospital and specialized cardiac ER at South Texas Health System Heart and seven freestanding emergency rooms located in and around Weslaco, Mission, Edinburg, McAllen, Pharr and Alamo. For more information about the system and its comprehensive services, please visit www.southtexashealthsystem.com.
