Long-term farming lifestyle strongly associated with lower sarcopenia prevalence in older Adults: A cross-sectional study in an urban-rural transition zone.

OBJECTIVE

In the context of rapid urbanization and escalating population aging, lifestyle factors play a critical role in sarcopenia development. This study aimed to clarify the prevalence of sarcopenia in elderly adults in the urban-rural transition zone of southern Pudong, Shanghai, and explore the association between lifestyle factors (with a focus on long-term farming history) and sarcopenia.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted between January and November 2024, recruiting 654 community-dwelling individuals aged ≥ 60 years (mean age 69.43 ± 3.42 years) via convenience sampling from local health centers. Sarcopenia was diagnosed according to the 2023 Chinese Consensus criteria, based on assessments of muscle mass using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), grip strength, and gait speed. Information on demographics, comorbidities, and pre-retirement primary occupation (categorized as farming vs. other non-farming) was collected through structured interviews. A farming lifestyle was defined as having engaged in agriculture as a primary occupation for at least 20 years. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify independent factors associated with sarcopenia.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of sarcopenia was 6.42 % (42/654), with no significant difference between sexes (6.21 % in men vs. 6.63 % in women, P = 0.841). In univariate analysis, a history of farming (P < 0.001) and diabetes (P < 0.001) were significantly associated with sarcopenia. After adjusting for potential confounders in the multivariate logistic regression model, a long-term farming history emerged as a strong, independent protective factor against sarcopenia (adjusted Odds Ratio aOR = 0.050, 95 % Confidence Interval CI: 0.021-0.119, P < 0.001). The association between diabetes and sarcopenia was no longer statistically significant in the adjusted model (aOR = 0.749, 95 % CI: 0.293-2.088, P = 0.545).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of sarcopenia in this urban-rural transition zone is lower than in highly urbanized centers in China. A long-term farming lifestyle is strongly and independently associated with a reduced risk of sarcopenia in this population. This finding highlights the potential protective effects of traditional agricultural lifestyle patterns and suggests that public health strategies for sarcopenia prevention should prioritize integrated, activity-diverse, and culturally relevant interventions.