Too many weak days--diagnosis: physical frailty.
Physical frailty is increasing among older adults; half of all those over 85 years are unable to independently accomplish activities of daily living. Gait speed is often compromised which results in diminished functional community independence. This article defines frailty and identifies the risk factors for frailty, as most are modifiable with diet and exercise interventions. Frailty is treatable but ideally, frailty should be prevented as it cannot be cured.
Brown
Marybeth
M
School of Health Professions, University of Missouri, USA. brownmb@health.missouri.edu
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004032:Diet; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D016330:Frail Elderly; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors