Frailty in older people

Frailty is more common in older adults. But being older does not necessarily mean you will be frail.

You may be at risk of frailty if you:

• have a fall
• have chronic health conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic pain, diabetes, stroke, heart disease, dementia or depression
• have oral health problems such as loose dentures, dry mouth, toothache and broken teeth
• are socially isolated
• have hearing and vision problems
• do little physical activity
• smoke or drink alcohol
• do not eat well and are an unhealthy weight 
• take a lot of medications.

People with frailty are likely to find it harder to bounce back and recover from illnesses, injuries and surgery.

Older people with frailty have a higher risk of:

• falls
• immobility
• incontinence
• confusion
• being admitted to hospital and needing long hospital stays
• needing nursing care.

It is important to know if you have frailty. Knowing this can help you and your whānau prepare for a change in your health. It can also help you to take action to increase your body's resilience and stop you becoming more frail.

Your doctor or other healthcare provider will diagnose frailty by considering many factors including any health conditions you may have. They will also consider:

• your walking speed and level of physical activity
• your grip strength
• your energy levels
• whether you need help with daily activities such as household chores, personal care, taking medications and handling money
• your weight and body mass index (BMI) and how well you eat.Healthy weight BMI calculator (internal link)

There are ways you can help prevent frailty or stop it getting worse.

Exercise

Do exercises to improve muscle strength and balance 2 to 3 days a week.

You can join a local Live Stronger for Longer strength and balance class or try their online classes you can attend from the comfort of your own home.  

Moving daily in as many ways as possible will help. Even walking for 10 minutes a day can make a difference.

Live Stronger for Longer (external link)

Strength and balance 10 minute home routine — YouTube (external link)

Eating well

It is important you eat well. Aim to have some protein-rich food such as eggs, milk products, meat or nuts at every meal and snack.

If you are losing weight or struggling to eat well, your healthcare provider may prescribe oral nutrition supplement drinks such as Ensure or Fortisip. They may also refer you to a dietitian.

Eating well for older people (internal link)

Lifestyle

Other ways you can help prevent frailty or stop it getting worse:

• limit alcohol
• if you smoke — stop smoking 
• get 7 to 8 hours sleep each night
• stay connected with whānau and friends
• keep your mind active by doing activities such as reading regularly, learning a new skill or hobby, socialising with whānau and friends
• wear hearing aids and glasses if prescribed.

It can be hard to make changes and create good habits. There are online tools and apps you can use. For example Lifecurve provides a personalised programme with movement routines and tips on how to age well, stay active and be safe.

LifeCurve (external link)

Consider sharing your frailty diagnosis with friends and whānau so they can help support you to make changes.