Frailty is a syndrome that is usually associated with aging; it is determined by decreased physical strength and cognitive impairment, as well as the increased vulnerability of a person. Individuals experiencing weakness become vulnerable and dependent on other people’s assistance. The syndrome affects various body functions and may be linked to sarcopenia, the loss of muscle mass. Frailty can reduce the quality of individuals’ lives and increase their risks of poor health outcomes.
Gerontologists and other researchers in the field can use the concept of frailty in the following ways. First, scientists can work on outlining a standardized definition of the syndrome, which is still not identified (Chen, Mao, & Leng, 2014). Second, gerontologists can study the factors that may potentially lead to the development of frailty and issues related to the syndrome, which will help to establish preventive measures and early screening tools.
At the same time, clinicians can develop diagnostic tools for frailty based on the findings of their practice. For example, they can work on assessment methods that consider all aspects typically associated with the condition. They may include weakness, slow walking speed, and weight loss in elderly people (Wilson, Jackson, Sapey, & Lord, 2017). These measures may prevent adverse outcomes of the condition and eliminate risks associated with it.
Frailty is a significant part of gerontology as it is a condition attributed to aging. This term can be used to describe conditions associated with decreased strength and cognitive impairment in the elderly. Bone, Hepgul, Kon, and Maddocks (2017) report that frailty may result in delirium, falls, and death. In gerontology, the idea of frailty may be utilized to study health risks related to the syndrome, develop its definition, establish screening tools to eliminate adverse patient outcomes, and work on preventative measures.
Frailty is a term used to describe various conditions characterized by physical weakness and decreased cognitive functions in older adults. This syndrome does not have a particular definition because there are many factors related to it. Frailty may be linked to the presence of several signs or components, such as weakness and slow walking speed. The syndrome may increase the risk of negative health outcomes for an elderly person.
References
Chen, X., Mao, G., & Leng, S. X. (2014). Frailty syndrome: An overview. Clinical Interventions in Aging, 9, 433-441.
Wilson, D., Jackson, T., Sapey, E., & Lord, J. M. (2017). Frailty and sarcopenia: The potential role of an aged immune system. Ageing Research Reviews, 36(2017), 1-10.
Bone, A. E., Hepgul, N., Kon, S., & Maddocks, M. (2017). Sarcopenia and frailty in chronic respiratory disease: Lessons from gerontology. Chronic Respiratory Disease, 14(1), 85-99.