Overview
Vulnerability, functional loss, energy, strength and activity.
Clinical relevance
Frailty increases risk of dependency, falls, hospitalizations and loss of autonomy. Recognizing signs such as frequent fatigue, weight loss or lower activity helps decide when to seek professional assessment.
Signs and symptoms
- Unintentional weight loss.
- Frequent fatigue.
- Reduced strength.
- Lower daily activity.
Related conditions
Sarcopenia
Malnutrition
Fall risk
Functional impairment
Assessments
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Clinical assessments
Frailty
Observation of vulnerability and functional decline signs.
Purpose: Organize signs associated with frailty.
Interpretation: Accumulated signs indicate the need for professional assessment.
Start assessmentSARC-F
Initial screening for sarcopenia.
Purpose: Identify sarcopenia risk.
Interpretation: A high score indicates risk and the need for assessment.
Start assessmentGuides
Available
Older adult functional screening guide
Functional screening guide that includes frailty screening.
Open resource
Articles
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Related articles
FAQ
It should not be treated as inevitable. Age increases risk, but signs deserve assessment because some factors may be modifiable.
Not necessarily. With appropriate interventions, many cases stabilize or even reverse.
In many cases, adequate nutrition, safe physical activity, medication review and social support can improve function or reduce risks.
Seek assessment for unintentional weight loss, frequent fatigue, reduced strength or lower daily activity.
References
- Fried LP et al. Frailty in older adults: evidence for a phenotype. Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences, 2001.
- World Health Organization. Integrated care for older people (ICOPE): guidance for person-centred assessment and pathways in primary care, 2nd ed.