After age 30, we begin to lose as much as 3-5% muscle mass per decade, with the steepest decline after age 60. Men lose as much as 30% over their lifetimes. Less muscle equals increased weakness and decreased mobility. Yet, the recommended intake for protein doesn’t increase with age, even though our bodies are not as capable of digesting and holding onto protein stores.
Protein intake itself tends to decline with aging, a condition referred to as anorexia of aging, as many elderly persons don’t eat regularly enough. Even when enough protein is consumed, it is often in the form of high-fat animal products.