Background and Objectives: This study focused on investigating sarcopenic factors and immune cells in older adulthood. To achieve this, the variables related to sarcopenia and immune cells in people living in the same community were analyzed. Materials and Methods: A total of 433 elderly individuals aged 61 to 85 years were randomly categorized as follows in 5-year intervals: 68 in the youngest-old group (aged 61-65), 168 in the young-old group (aged 66-70), 127 in the middle-old group (aged 71-75), 46 in the old-old group (aged 76-80), and 19 in the oldest-old group (aged 81-85). Results: With the progression of age, calf circumference (-8.4 to -11.05%; p = 0.001) and grip strength (-9.32 to -21.01%; p = 0.001) exhibited a noticeable reduction with each successive 5-year age bracket. Conversely, the capability to complete the five-time chair stand demonstrated a clear incline (32.49 to 56.81%; p = 0.001), starting from the middle-aged group. As for appendicular skeletal muscle mass, there was an evident tendency for it to decrease (-7.08 to -26.62%; p = 0.001) with increasing age. A gradual decline in natural killer cells became apparent within the old-old and oldest-old groups (-9.28 to -26.27%; p = 0.001). The results of the post hoc test revealed that CD3 T cells showcased their peak levels in both the youngest-old and young-old groups. This was followed by the middle-old and old-old groups, with slightly lower levels. This pattern was similarly observed in CD4 T cells, CD8 T cells, and CD19 B cells. Conclusions: This study reaffirmed that sarcopenia and immune cell function decline with each successive 5-year increase in age. Considering these findings, the importance of implementing programs aimed at ensuring a high-quality extension of life for the elderly is strongly underscored.
Keywords: appendicular skeletal muscle mass; calf circumference; grip strength; immune cells; natural killer cell; sarcopenia.