Physical frailty predicts the development of social frailty: a prospective cohort study

Abstract

Background It has not been clarified whether physical frailty symptoms predict social. frailty. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the effect of physical frailty on social frailty, and to determine which domains of physical frailty predict the development of social frailty. Methods We employed a two-year prospective cohort study. A total of 342 socially robust community-dwelling older adults were recruited. We used a modified social frailty screening index consisting of four social domains including financial difficulties, living alone, social activity, and contact with neighbors. Physical frailty status was also assessed at baseline. At the two-year follow-up, we assessed the development of social frailty. Social status was assessed using four social subdomains for the primary analysis. Social status was assessed using the two social subdomains of social activity and contact with neighbors, which would be affected by the physical frailty component, for the secondary analysis. The risk ratios (RR) of physical frailty for the development of social frailty were estimated. Results Although physical frailty symptoms were not a significant risk factor for future development of social frailty as assessed by four social subdomains (adjusted RR 1.39, 95% CI 0.95–2.15), it became significant when development of social frailty was assessed by the two social subdomains (adjusted RR 1.78, 95% CI 1.10–2.88). An analysis using the physical frailty subdomain showed that slow gait speed (adjusted RR 3.41, 95% CI 1.10–10.53) and weakness (adjusted RR 1.06, 95% CI 1.01–1.12) were independent risk factors for development of social frailty as assessed by two social subdomains. Conclusions Physical frailty symptoms predict the development of social frailty. Among physical frailty subdomains, gait speed and muscle strength are critical independent risk factors for future decline in the social aspect. The prevention of physical frailty, especially by maintaining gait ability and muscle strength, may be effective for avoiding social frailty.

Association between Physical Frailty Subdomains and Oral Frailty in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

“…These findings notwithstanding, the association between physical and oral frailty may have the reverse direction. Lower gait speed is a risk factor for social frailty, whereby limited mobility may reduce the likelihood of social interactions [ 29 ]. Social frailty, which may include reduced social activity or contact with other people, may reduce opportunities for verbal communications among older adults, which in turn may affect oral function as a result of the reduced use of the muscles surrounding the pharynx and mouth [ 30 ].…”

Clinical Practice Guidelines for Managing Frailty in Community-Dwelling Korean Elderly Adults in Primary Care Settings

“…In total, 16 recommendations were made, including five for diagnosis and assessment, and 11 for intervention and monitoring. Details of the level of evidence and strength of recommendations for each of these are attached as a supplementary file ( Supplement 4 ) [ 15 , 16 , 21 , 24 - 61 ]. The full text of these guidelines can also be found at https://www.kafm.or.kr .…”

Social frailty is independently associated with geriatric depression among older adults living in northern Japan: A cross‐sectional study of ORANGE registry

“…27,28 Moreover, physical frailty subdomains can predict the development of social frailty, including gait performance and muscle strength. 29 Considering the above backgrounds, independent risk factors towards social frailty among older adults need to be investigated in the future, as well as monitoring physical and cognitive functions.…”