Causes, Characteristics, and Impact
What is frailty?
Frailty is a condition of increased vulnerability caused by age-related declines across multiple body systems, making it difficult for a person to cope with physical or health stressors
How do healthcare professionals commonly identify or measure frailty?
Through quantitative assessments of physical capabilities, symptoms, and signs. (standardized screenings)
What words or images come to mind when you hear the term “frailty”?
Words or images that often come to mind when hearing “frailty” include weakness, vulnerability, fragility, slow movement, older adults needing assistance, thin or fragile appearance, and careful or cautious movement. It can also evoke ideas of resilience being challenged or the need for support.
What are 3 signs/symptoms of frailty?
Any of:
Loss of strength, fatigue, slow walking speed, low levels of physical activity, weight loss, limited mobility, dementia, chronic illnesses, frequent falls, etc.
How does a social science perspective conceptualize frailty?
By showing how factors like social isolation, poverty, housing conditions, access to healthcare, discrimination, culture, and community support influence a person’s resilience and risk of decline, not just their biological health.
What is a common stereotype about older adults or frailty that you think is inaccurate?
That all older adults are weak, dependent, or incapable of contributing to society. In reality, many older adults remain active, independent, and engaged in work, volunteering, or social activities despite aging or experiencing some degree of frailty.
What are two factors that can increase an individual's risk of becoming frail?
Any of:
Lack of physical activity, poor nutrition, polypharmacy, social isolation, chronic illness.
What lifestyle interventions are known to help prevent or reduce frailty?
Regular physical activity (especially strength and balance training), adequate nutrition, staying socially engaged, managing chronic conditions, and maintaining cognitive and mental well-being.
In what ways could peers, family, or community play a role in preventing or reducing frailty?
By encouraging regular physical activity and healthy habits, maintaining social connections to reduce isolation and loneliness, helping with access to healthcare, nutrition, or resources, creating safe and supportive environments for daily activities and mobility, offering emotional support.
How does frailty increase an individual’s vulnerability to health stressors?
Frailty increases vulnerability to health stressors by reducing the body’s physiological reserve, so even minor challenges (like infections, falls, or medication changes) can lead to serious health problems, slower recovery, and loss of independence.
Why is frailty considered a dynamic or reversible condition rather than an inevitable part of aging?
Frailty is considered dynamic rather than inevitable because its severity can change over time, and targeted interventions, such as exercise, improved nutrition, social support, and appropriate medical care, can slow, stop, or even reverse aspects of frailty.
If you were designing a program to support older adults experiencing frailty, what would be your top priority and why?
-Maintaining and improving independence through physical activity, social engagement, and personalized support
- Informative sessions for adults and older adults to become more educated about frailty and prevention
- Focusing on what you CAN do versus what you can't
In what ways can frailty affect quality of life beyond physical health?
By increasing social isolation, reducing independence, impacting mental health (such as anxiety or depression), limiting participation in daily and meaningful activities, and increasing reliance on others for support.
How do interdisciplinary approaches (medical, social, and experience-based) improve our understanding of frailty?
Combines medical knowledge (physical health and disease management), social factors (support networks, environment, and access to resources), and everyday experiences of older adults. This helps identify risks, tailor interventions, and address both the physical and social aspects of frailty.
How has your perception of frailty changed (if at all) after this week's readings, our presentation, or discussion with your co-author?
- Considered social implications
- recognized implicit negative connotations
- Noticed discrepancies between various definitions of frailty