Management of frailty: opportunities, challenges, and future directions

Physical Fitness in Hospitalized Frail Elderly Patients

“…An increased amount of physical activity, exercise, adequate protein intake and appropriate medication are thought to be the first-line therapies in the management of frailty [105][106][107] and comprehensive and individualized prescribed treatment interventions can improve or slow down the deterioration 108 .…”

Frailty and Seasonality

“…Frailty in older adults is a complex condition in which only a minor external stressor may cause severe complications leading to death (1,2). In the context of the recent devastating bushfires in Australia and the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, recognising and protecting those affected has magnified the impact and public health importance of frailty.…”

“…In the context of the recent devastating bushfires in Australia and the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, recognising and protecting those affected has magnified the impact and public health importance of frailty. Effects of frailty include bodily deterioration and the failure of physiological systems to cope with changes in the environment (2). Frailty prevalence is around 9-17% in community-dwelling older adults aged 65 years and over (1) and renders an older adult at heightened risk of adverse outcomes such as infections, hospitalisation, pre-mature admission to care facilities, and mortality (2,3).…”

“…Effects of frailty include bodily deterioration and the failure of physiological systems to cope with changes in the environment (2). Frailty prevalence is around 9-17% in community-dwelling older adults aged 65 years and over (1) and renders an older adult at heightened risk of adverse outcomes such as infections, hospitalisation, pre-mature admission to care facilities, and mortality (2,3). Although the physiological and functional decline that occurs with frailty usually occurs gradually over a number of years, this functional decline can occur rapidly when external stressors are present (2).…”

Addressing social inequalities for longevity and living in good health

“…8 However, interventions to date are scarce. 9 More compelling evidence is required on policies or interventions that address social inequalities and health problems of ageing to prolong lifespans and reduce time spent in ill health. Initiatives are likely to be needed at all levels of health care to address the needs of the increasingly ageing population, who could experience high degrees of frailty.…”