AGEING STRONG Promoting Healthy Ageing and OVERCOMING FRAILTY BY DR GEORGIA PAGE
As the world’s population ages, the pursuit of healthy ageing becomes an increasingly important societal goal. Frailty is a common condition that often accompanies the ageing process and is characterised by a loss of physical and sometimes mental functioning, making individuals more vulnerable to poor health outcomes. This includes increased incident of falls, fractures, disability, and hospitalisation. Understanding frailty and its relationship with healthy ageing is essential for promoting the wellbeing of older adults and improving their quality of life. Early intervention can help people stay healthy, active and at home for longer. What is frailty? Frailty by definition means ‘weak and vulnerable’. In older adults, it refers to the loss of physical, cognitive, or social ability
to recover from illness or stressful events. The risk of frailty increases with age and can affect up to 25% of adults aged over 70. Frailty is more common in females. Common characteristics of frailty include; Weight loss – unintentional weight loss can occur due to inadequate calorie intake, poor nutrition, inadequate protein intake and muscle loss. Fatigue – feelings of extreme tiredness and exhaustion even with minimal physical or mental exertion. Reduced physical activity – due to physical limitations frail people tend to become less active which can further exacerbate their frailty. Slowness – frailty can lead to a decrease in physical speed and reaction time, making movement slower and less coordinated. Weakness – frail individuals often experience a loss of muscle mass and
strength, which can make even simple tasks challenging. Managing frailty It is important to recognise that not all older adults become frail, but by preventing, identifying and treating frailty early we can keep people active and healthy for longer, and keep them out of hospital. One key to promoting healthy ageing and reducing frailty is regular medical checks ups. Routine visits to healthcare professionals allow for early detection and management of chronic conditions which are more prevalent in older people. Health professionals can also screen for frailty and develop a management plan depending on each individual persons needs and goals. Strategies to promote healthy ageing and reduce frailty can include; 1. Physical Activity: Regular exercise is a cornerstone of healthy ageing.
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