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Cellular senescence may be associated with morphological changes in skeletal muscle and changes in physical function with age although there have been few human studies. We aimed to determine the feasibility of characterising cellular senescence in skeletal muscle and explored sex-specific associations between markers of cellular senescence, muscle morphology, and physical function in participants from the MASS_Lifecourse Study. Senescence markers (p16, TAF (Telomere-Associated DNA Damage Foci), HMGB1 (High Mobility Group Box 1), and Lamin B1) and morphological characteristics (fibre size, number, fibrosis, and centrally nucleated fibres) were assessed in muscle biopsies from 40 men and women (age range 47–84) using spatially-resolved methods (immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and RNA and fluorescence in situ hybridisation). The associations between senescence, morphology, and physical function (muscle strength, mass, and physical performance) at different ages were explored. We found that most senescence markers and morphological characteristics were weakly associated with age in men but more strongly, although non-significantly, associated with age in women. Associations between senescence markers, morphology, and physical function were also stronger in women for HMGB1 and grip strength (r= 0.52); TAF, BMI, and muscle mass (r> 0.4); Lamin B1 and fibrosis (r=  − 0.5); fibre size and muscle mass (r≥ 0.4); and gait speed (r=  − 0.5). However, these associations were non-significant. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that it is feasible to characterise cellular senescence in human skeletal muscle and to explore associations with morphology and physical function in women and men of different ages. The findings require replication in larger studies.

Sarcopenia describes the accelerated loss of skeletal muscle, manifesting as a combination of low muscle strength and low muscle mass. Frailty can be described as the collective deterioration of multiple body systems, leading to reduced ability to maintain homeostasis and respond to physiological stresses placed upon the body. Frailty and sarcopenia are common, especially in hospitalized older people, and also occur at younger ages in the setting of multiple long-term conditions (multimorbidity). There are currently no drug treatments for sarcopenia and frailty, and this is one area of continuing research into these two syndromes. Their diagnosis in clinical practice helps to identify a group of patients at risk of adverse outcomes who could benefit from interventions including resistance exercise training and comprehensive geriatric assessment.

Background: Comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) involves the multidimensional assessment and management of an older person. It is well described in hospital and home-based settings. A novel approach could be to perform CGA within primary healthcare, the initial community located healthcare setting for patients, improving accessibility to a co-located multidisciplinary team. Aim: To appraise the evidence on CGA implemented within the primary care practice. Methods: The review followed PRISMA recommendations. Eligible studies reported CGA on persons aged ≥ 65 in a primary care practice. Studies focusing on a single condition were excluded. Searches were run in five databases; reference lists and publications were screened. Two researchers independently screened for eligibility and assessed study quality. All study outcomes were reviewed. Results: The authors screened 9003 titles, 145 abstracts and 97 full texts. Four studies were included. Limited study bias was observed. Studies were heterogeneous in design and reported outcomes. CGAs were led by a geriatrician (n= 3) or nurse practitioner (n= 1), with varied length and extent of follow-up (12–48 months). Post-intervention hospital admission rates showed mixed results, with improved adherence to medication modifications. No improvement in survival or functional outcomes was observed. Interventions were widely accepted and potentially cost-effective. Discussion: The four studies demonstrated that CGA was acceptable and provided variable outcome benefit. Further research is needed to identify the most effective strategy for implementing CGA in primary care. Particular questions include identification of patients suitable for CGA within primary care CGA, a consensus list of outcome measures, and the role of different healthcare professionals in delivering CGA.