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Chenhuichen C, O'Halloran AM, Lang D, Kenny RA, Romero-Ortuno R. The lived experience of frailty: beyond classification and towards a holistic understanding of health. Eur Geriatr Med 2024; 15:435-444. [PMID: 38196075 PMCID: PMC10997539 DOI: 10.1007/s41999-023-00909-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Frailty is characterised by decreased physiological reserves and vulnerability to stressors. Although scales, such as the Fried's Frailty Phenotype (FP), Frailty Index (FI), and Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS), are used to identify frailty, the lived experience of frailty remains understudied. METHODS This cross-sectional observational research involved participants aged 65 years and older from Wave 1 of The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA). Participants were categorised into four independent groups: three frail groups based on the aforementioned scales and a non-frail group. Quantitative variables, including self-rated health, CASP-19 quality-of-life score, and frequency of social activities, were analysed and described. RESULTS The study encompassed 1999 participants with an average age of 72 years, of whom 51% were women. FP exclusively identified 1.6% as frail (n = 32), FI 11.7% (n = 233), and CFS 6.8% (n = 135). More than 60% of all those classified as frail reported their health as good, very good, or excellent, with the lowest proportion (64%) being among frail by FI participants. Frail by FI participants exhibited the lowest mean average CASP-19 score, yet it remained relatively high at 39 out of 57 points. Over 77% of all frail individuals engaged in active leisure activities at least once a month. CONCLUSION This study underscores the need to comprehend frailty holistically beyond its mere identification. It challenges the prevailing belief that frailty inevitably leads to impaired quality of life and limited social engagement. The findings advocate for a reassessment of how both the general public and healthcare professionals perceive frailty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenhui Chenhuichen
- Geriatrics Department, Hospital Universitario de Navarra, Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
| | - Aisling M O'Halloran
- The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA), Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
- Discipline of Medical Gerontology, 6th Floor, School of Medicine, Trinity College, Mercer's Institute for Successful Ageing, St James's Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Deirdre Lang
- National Frailty Education Programme, Office of the Nursing & Midwifery Service Director (ONMSD), Health Service Executive, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Rose Anne Kenny
- The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA), Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
- Discipline of Medical Gerontology, 6th Floor, School of Medicine, Trinity College, Mercer's Institute for Successful Ageing, St James's Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Roman Romero-Ortuno
- The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA), Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland.
- Discipline of Medical Gerontology, 6th Floor, School of Medicine, Trinity College, Mercer's Institute for Successful Ageing, St James's Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland.
- Global Brain Health Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
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Chen ZJ, Tang FP, Chang SY, Chung HL, Tsai WH, Chou SS, Yeh HC, Tung HH. Resilience-happiness nexus in community-dwelling middle-aged and older adults: Results from Gan-Dau Healthy Longevity Plan. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2024; 116:105162. [PMID: 37598465 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2023.105162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
The core of healthy aging is intrinsic capacity (IC) that consists of major elements, i.e., cognition, locomotion, vitality, sensory capacity, and psychological aspect. This cross-sectional study analyzes data of the Gan-Dau Healthy Longevity Plan, targeting community-dwelling adults aged 50 years or older. The participants completed the assessment, in addition to WHO IC, including the Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE) for cognitive performance, 6 m walking speed (m/s),timed up-and-go test (s) and hand grip strength (Kg) for locomotor assessment, Cardiovascular health study (CHS) for frailty assessment, Mini Nutrition assessment short form (MNA-SF) for nutrition. Psychological aspect including the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) for sleep quality, the Geriatric Depression Scale-5 (GDS-5) for depressive symptoms, the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS) for resilience, and the Chinese Happiness Inventory (CHI) for happiness levels. The study enrolled 810 participants (mean age of 68.45 ± 8.05 years, 32% male) and revealed that 94.7% of participants exhibited impairments in IC, with visual capacity and cognition being the most common deficit items of IC. Resilience levels varied, with 37.4% of men and 33.5% of women exhibiting moderate to low resilience. Only 23.4% of male participants and 21.1% female participants reported a high level of happiness. Resilience was found to partially mediate the relationship between intrinsic capacity and happiness, with approximately 6.6% of the variance in happiness being mediated by resilience. In conclusion, the study provides valuable insights into the connections between psychological aspect, IC, and healthy aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Jun Chen
- Global Research & Industry Alliance, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC; Center for Healthy Longevity and Aging Sciences, Tungs' Taichung MetroHarbor Hospital, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, No. 155, Sec.2, Linong Street, Beitou Dist., Taipei 112, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Fong-Ping Tang
- Department of Nursing, Taipei Municipal Gan-Dau Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Su-Yu Chang
- Department of Nursing, Taipei Municipal Gan-Dau Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Hsiu-Ling Chung
- Department of Nursing, Taipei Municipal Gan-Dau Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Wen-Huey Tsai
- Center for Administration and Management, Taipei Municipal Gan-Dau Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Shin-Shang Chou
- Vice Superintendent Office, Taipei Municipal Gan-Dau Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Hsiao-Chien Yeh
- Department of Nursing, Taipei Municipal Gan-Dau Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Heng-Hsin Tung
- Center for Healthy Longevity and Aging Sciences, Tungs' Taichung MetroHarbor Hospital, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, No. 155, Sec.2, Linong Street, Beitou Dist., Taipei 112, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Nursing, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan, ROC.
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Khalil AH, Gobbens RJJ. What If the Clinical and Older Adults' Perspectives about Frailty Converge? A Call for a Mixed Conceptual Model of Frailty: A Traditional Literature Review. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:3174. [PMID: 38132064 PMCID: PMC10742490 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11243174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Existing frailty models have enhanced research and practice; however, none of the models accounts for the perspective of older adults upon defining and operationalizing frailty. We aim to propose a mixed conceptual model that builds on the integral model while accounting for older adults' perceptions and lived experiences of frailty. We conducted a traditional literature review to address frailty attributes, risk factors, consequences, perceptions, and lived experiences of older adults with frailty. Frailty attributes are vulnerability/susceptibility, aging, dynamic, complex, physical, psychological, and social. Frailty perceptions and lived experience themes/subthemes are refusing frailty labeling, being labeled "by others" as compared to "self-labeling", from the perception of being frail towards acting as being frail, positive self-image, skepticism about frailty screening, communicating the term "frail", and negative and positive impacts and experiences of frailty. Frailty risk factors are classified into socio-demographic, biological, physical, psychological/cognitive, behavioral, and situational/environmental factors. The consequences of frailty affect the individual, the caregiver/family, the healthcare sector, and society. The mixed conceptual model of frailty consists of interacting risk factors, interacting attributes surrounded by the older adult's perception and lived experience, and interacting consequences at multiple levels. The mixed conceptual model provides a lens to qualify frailty in addition to quantifying it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asya Hani Khalil
- Hariri School of Nursing, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon
| | - Robbert J. J. Gobbens
- Faculty of Health, Sports and Social Work, Inholland University of Applied Sciences, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
- Zonnehuisgroep Amstelland, 1186 AA Amstelveen, The Netherlands
- Department of Family Medicine and Population Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
- Tranzo, Tilburg University, 5037 DB Tilburg, The Netherlands
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Duan Y, Qi Q, Cui Y, Yang L, Zhang M, Liu H. Effects of dietary diversity on frailty in Chinese older adults: a 3-year cohort study. BMC Geriatr 2023; 23:141. [PMID: 36918767 PMCID: PMC10012609 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-023-03875-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Frailty has emerged as a global health burden with increased population aging. A diverse diet is essential for an adequate and balanced supply of nutrients. However, limited evidence supports the relationship between dietary diversity and frailty. We therefore assessed the associations of dietary diversity with the risk of frailty. METHODS We used the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey to analyze a prospective cohort of Chinese older adults. A total of 1948 non-frail older adults were included in the final sample. Participants were categorized into groups with high or low dietary diversity scores (DDSs) using a food frequency questionnaire. A Generalized Estimating Equation were used to estimate risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for determining frailty incidence. RESULTS Among 1,948 participants, 381 had frailty with the prevalence of 19.56% during the 3-year follow-up period. Compared with the low DDS group, the high DDS group exhibited a lower risk of frailty (RR, 0.72; 95% CI: 0.57-0.91). Compared with those with a consistently low DDS, the RR of participants with a consistently high DDS for frailty was 0.56 (95% CI: 0.42-0.74). Moreover, meat, beans, fish, nuts, fresh fruits, and fresh vegetables were inversely associated with frailty. In stratified analysis, a consistently high DDS, compared with a consistently low DDS, reduced the risk of frailty for people aged 65-79 years and those living in town and rural areas. CONCLUSION This study found a prospective association between dietary diversity and frailty among Chinese older adults. These findings stressed that it is important to improve dietary diversity for older adults to promote healthy ageing, particularly for young older adults and in town and rural areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Duan
- School of Public Health, Bengbu Medical College, No.2600 Donghai Ave, Bengbu, 233030, China
| | - Qi Qi
- School of Public Health, Bengbu Medical College, No.2600 Donghai Ave, Bengbu, 233030, China
| | - Yan Cui
- School of Public Health, Bengbu Medical College, No.2600 Donghai Ave, Bengbu, 233030, China
| | - Ling Yang
- School of Public Health, Bengbu Medical College, No.2600 Donghai Ave, Bengbu, 233030, China
| | - Min Zhang
- School of Health Management, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Huaqing Liu
- School of Public Health, Bengbu Medical College, No.2600 Donghai Ave, Bengbu, 233030, China.
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Sanchini V, Sala R, Gastmans C. The concept of vulnerability in aged care: a systematic review of argument-based ethics literature. BMC Med Ethics 2022; 23:84. [PMID: 35974362 PMCID: PMC9379886 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-022-00819-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vulnerability is a key concept in traditional and contemporary bioethics. In the philosophical literature, vulnerability is understood not only to be an ontological condition of humanity, but also to be a consequence of contingent factors. Within bioethics debates, vulnerable populations are defined in relation to compromised capacity to consent, increased susceptibility to harm, and/or exploitation. Although vulnerability has historically been associated with older adults, to date, no comprehensive or systematic work exists on the meaning of their vulnerability. To fill this gap, we analysed the literature on aged care for the meaning, foundations, and uses of vulnerability as an ethical concept. METHODS Using PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic review of argument-based ethics literature in four major databases: PubMed, Embase®, Web of Science™, and Philosopher's Index. These covered biomedical, philosophy, bioethical, and anthropological literature. Titles, abstracts, and full texts of identified papers were screened for relevance. The snowball technique and citation tracking were used to identify relevant publications. Data analysis and synthesis followed the preparatory steps of the coding process detailed in the QUAGOL methodology. RESULTS Thirty-eight publications met our criteria and were included. Publication dates ranged from 1984 to 2020, with 17 publications appearing between 2015 and 2020. Publications originated from all five major continents, as indicated by the affiliation of the first author. Our analyses revealed that the concept of vulnerability could be distinguished in terms of basic human and situational vulnerability. Six dimensions of older adults' vulnerability were identified: physical; psychological; relational/interpersonal; moral; sociocultural, political, and economic; and existential/spiritual. This analysis suggested three ways to relate to older adults' vulnerability: understanding older adults' vulnerability, taking care of vulnerable older adults, and intervening through socio-political-economic measures. CONCLUSIONS The way in which vulnerability was conceptualised in the included publications overlaps with distinctions used within contemporary bioethics literature. Dimensions of aged care vulnerability map onto defining features of humans, giving weight to the claim that vulnerability represents an inherent characteristic of humans. Vulnerability is mostly a value-laden concept, endowed with positive and negative connotations. Most publications focused on and promoted aged care, strengthening the idea that care is a defining practice of being human.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Sanchini
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Biomedical Ethics and Law, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Roberta Sala
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Chris Gastmans
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Biomedical Ethics and Law, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Nan J, Duan Y, Wu S, Liao L, Li X, Zhao Y, Zhang H, Zeng X, Feng H. Perspectives of older adults, caregivers, healthcare providers on frailty screening in primary care: a systematic review and qualitative meta-synthesis. BMC Geriatr 2022; 22:482. [PMID: 35659258 PMCID: PMC9166584 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-022-03173-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Screening is often recommended as a first step in frailty management. Many guidelines call to implicate frailty screening into practice in the primary care setting. However, few countries or organizations implement it. Understanding and clarifying the stakeholders’ views and issues faced by the implementation is essential to the successful implementation of frailty screening. However, the systematic review on stakeholders’ views of frailty screening in primary care is decidedly limited. Our objective was to explore the perspective of older adults, caregivers, and healthcare providers on frailty screening and determine the enablers and barriers to implementing frailty screening in primary care. Methods A systematic search of six databases and other resources was conducted following JBI’s three-step search strategy. The search resulted in 7362 articles, of which 97 were identified for further assessment according to the inclusion criteria. After the full-text screening, quality assessment and data extraction were carried out using the tools from Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). Moreover, reviewers used the approach of meta-aggregative of JBI to analyze data and synthesis the findings. Results Six studies were included. A total of 63 findings were aggregated into 12 categories and then further grouped into three synthesized findings:1) capacity of healthcare providers and older adults; 2) opportunity in the implementation of frailty screening; 3) motivation in the implementation of frailty screening. These themes can help identify what influences the implementation of screening from the perspective of stakeholders. Conclusions This meta-synthesis provides evidence on the barriers and enablers of frailty screening in primary care, from the aspects of psychological, physical, social, material, etc. However, stakeholder perspectives of frailty screening have not been adequately studied. More research and efforts are needed to explore the influencing factors and address the existing barriers. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12877-022-03173-6.
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Alharbi K, Blakeman T, van Marwijk H, Reeves D, Tsang JY. Understanding the implementation of interventions to improve the management of frailty in primary care: a rapid realist review. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e054780. [PMID: 35649605 PMCID: PMC9161080 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-054780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Identifying and managing the needs of frail people in the community is an increasing priority for policy makers. We sought to identify factors that enable or constrain the implementation of interventions for frail older persons in primary care. DESIGN A rapid realist review. DATA SOURCES Cochrane Library, SCOPUS and EMBASE, and grey literature. The search was conducted in September 2019 and rerun on 8 January 2022. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES We considered all types of empirical studies describing interventions targeting frailty in primary care. ANALYSIS We followed the Realist and Meta-narrative Evidence Syntheses: Evolving Standards quality and publication criteria for our synthesis to systematically analyse and synthesise the existing literature and to identify (intervention-context-mechanism-outcome) configurations. We used normalisation processes theory to illuminate mechanisms surrounding implementation. RESULTS Our primary research returned 1755 articles, narrowed down to 29 relevant frailty intervention studies conducted in primary care. Our review identified two families of interventions. They comprised: (1) interventions aimed at the comprehensive assessment and management of frailty needs; and (2) interventions targeting specific frailty needs. Key factors that facilitate or inhibit the translation of frailty interventions into practice related to the distribution of resources; patient engagement and professional skill sets to address identified need. CONCLUSION There remain challenges to achieving successful implementation of frailty interventions in primary care. There were a key learning points under each family. First, targeted allocation of resources to address specific needs allows a greater alignment of skill sets and reduces overassessment of frail individuals. Second, earlier patient involvement may also improve intervention implementation and adherence. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER The published protocol for the review is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42019161193).
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Affiliation(s)
- Khulud Alharbi
- Division of Population Health, Health Services Research & Primary Care, School of Health Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Thomas Blakeman
- Division of Population Health, Health Services Research & Primary Care, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Harm van Marwijk
- Division of Primary Care and Public Health, University of Brighton, Falmer, UK
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
| | - David Reeves
- Division of Population Health, Health Services Research & Primary Care, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Jung Yin Tsang
- Division of Population Health, Health Services Research & Primary Care, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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Hall A, Boulton E, Kunonga P, Spiers G, Beyer F, Bower P, Craig D, Todd C, Hanratty B. Identifying older adults with frailty approaching end-of-life: A systematic review. Palliat Med 2021; 35:1832-1843. [PMID: 34519246 PMCID: PMC8637378 DOI: 10.1177/02692163211045917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with frailty may have specific needs for end-of-life care, but there is no consensus on how to identify these people in a timely way, or whether they will benefit from intervention. AIM To synthesise evidence on identification of older people with frailty approaching end-of-life, and whether associated intervention improves outcomes. DESIGN Systematic review (PROSPERO: CRD42020462624). DATA SOURCES Six databases were searched, with no date restrictions, for articles reporting prognostic or intervention studies. Key inclusion criteria were adults aged 65 and over, identified as frail via an established measure. End-of-life was defined as the final 12 months. Key exclusion criteria were proxy definitions of frailty, or studies involving people with cancer, even if also frail. RESULTS Three articles met the inclusion criteria. Strongest evidence came from one study in English primary care, which showed distinct trajectories in electronic Frailty Index scores in the last 12 months of life, associated with increased risk of death. We found no studies evaluating established clinical tools (e.g. Gold Standards Framework) with existing frail populations. We found no intervention studies; the literature on advance care planning with people with frailty has relied on proxy definitions of frailty. CONCLUSION Clear implications for policy and practice are hindered by the lack of studies using an established approach to assessing frailty. Future end-of-life research needs to use explicit approaches to the measurement and reporting of frailty, and address the evidence gap on interventions. A focus on models of care that incorporate a palliative approach is essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Hall
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Older People and Frailty Policy Research Unit, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Elisabeth Boulton
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Older People and Frailty Policy Research Unit, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Patience Kunonga
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Older People and Frailty Policy Research Unit, Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
| | - Gemma Spiers
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Older People and Frailty Policy Research Unit, Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
| | - Fiona Beyer
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Older People and Frailty Policy Research Unit, Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
| | - Peter Bower
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Older People and Frailty Policy Research Unit, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Dawn Craig
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Older People and Frailty Policy Research Unit, Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
| | - Chris Todd
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Older People and Frailty Policy Research Unit, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Barbara Hanratty
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Older People and Frailty Policy Research Unit, Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
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Costenoble A, Rossi G, Knoop V, Debain A, Smeys C, Bautmans I, Verté D, De Vriendt P, Gorus E. Does psychological resilience mediate the relation between daily functioning and prefrailty status? Int Psychogeriatr 2021; 34:1-10. [PMID: 34629136 DOI: 10.1017/s1041610221001058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Understanding of prefrailty's relationship with limitations in activities of daily living (ADLs) moderated by psychological resilience is needed, as resilience might support ADLs' maintenance and thus protect against frailty. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the influence of psychological resilience (using the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale; CD-RISC) on the relation between ADLs and frailty status of older individuals (i.e. prefrail versus robust). DESIGN Cross-sectional design. SETTING UZ Brussels, Belgium. PARTICIPANTS Robust (Fried 0/4;n = 214; Age = 82.3 ± 2.1yrs) and prefrail (Fried 1-2/4; n = 191; Age = 83.8 ±3.2yrs) community-dwelling older individuals were included. MEASUREMENTS Frailty scores were obtained from weight loss, exhaustion, gait speed, and grip strength. A total Disability Index (DI) expressed dependency for basic (b-), instrumental (i-), and advanced (a-)ADLs. Mediation was investigated by estimating direct and indirect effects of all levels of ADLs and CD-RISC total score on prefrailty/robustness using a stepwise multiple regression approach. RESULTS Prefrailty/robustness significantly correlated with a-ADL-DI (point-biserial correlation (rpb) = 0.098; p<0.05). Adjusted for age and gender, the a-ADL-DI (p<0.05) had a significant protective direct effect against prefrailty. No effects were found with the CD-RISC total score. CONCLUSIONS Less limitation in a-ADLs is a directly correlated factor of prefrailty and might represent a higher likelihood of robustness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axelle Costenoble
- Frailty in Ageing (FRIA) Research Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090Brussels, Belgium
- Gerontology Department, VUB, Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090Brussels, Belgium
| | - Gina Rossi
- Personality and Psychopathology Research Group, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, VUB, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Veerle Knoop
- Frailty in Ageing (FRIA) Research Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090Brussels, Belgium
- Gerontology Department, VUB, Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090Brussels, Belgium
| | - Aziz Debain
- Frailty in Ageing (FRIA) Research Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090Brussels, Belgium
- Gerontology Department, VUB, Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090Brussels, Belgium
- Geriatrics Department, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Laarbeeklaan 101, B-1090Brussels, Belgium
| | - Celeste Smeys
- Geriatrics Department, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Laarbeeklaan 101, B-1090Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ivan Bautmans
- Frailty in Ageing (FRIA) Research Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090Brussels, Belgium
- Gerontology Department, VUB, Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090Brussels, Belgium
- Geriatrics Department, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Laarbeeklaan 101, B-1090Brussels, Belgium
| | - Dominique Verté
- Frailty in Ageing (FRIA) Research Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090Brussels, Belgium
- Belgian Ageing Studies Research Group, VUB, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Patricia De Vriendt
- Frailty in Ageing (FRIA) Research Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090Brussels, Belgium
- Gerontology Department, VUB, Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090Brussels, Belgium
- Arteveldehogeschool, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ellen Gorus
- Frailty in Ageing (FRIA) Research Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090Brussels, Belgium
- Gerontology Department, VUB, Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090Brussels, Belgium
- Geriatrics Department, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Laarbeeklaan 101, B-1090Brussels, Belgium
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Abstract
'Frailty' is increasingly used as a clinical term to refer and respond to a particular bodily presentation, with numerous scores and measures to support its clinical determination. While these tools are typically quantitative in nature and based primarily on physical capacity, qualitative research has revealed that frailty is also associated with a range of social, economic and environmental factors. Here, we progress the understanding of frailty in older people via a new materialist synthesis of recent qualitative studies of frailty and ageing. We replace a conception of frailty as a bodily attribute with a relational understanding of a 'frailty assemblage'. Within this more-than-human assemblage, materialities establish the on-going 'becoming' of the frail body. What clinicians refer to as 'frailty' is one becoming among many, produced during the daily activities and interactions of older people. Acknowledging the complexity of these more-than-human becomings is essential to make sense of frailty, and how to support and enhance the lives of frail older people.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Zoe Radnor
- Business School (Formally Cass Business School) City, University of London The University of Law
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Romero-Ortuno R, Hartley P, Knight SP, Kenny RA, O'Halloran AM. Frailty index transitions over eight years were frequent in The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing. HRB Open Res 2021; 4:63. [PMID: 34522838 PMCID: PMC8406448 DOI: 10.12688/hrbopenres.13286.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The frailty index (FI) is based on accumulation of health deficits. FI cut-offs define non-frail, prefrail and frail states. We described transitions of FI states in The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA). Methods: Participants aged ≥50 years with information for a 31-deficit FI at wave 1 (2010) were followed-up over four waves (2012, 2014, 2016, 2018). Transitions were visualized with alluvial plots and probabilities estimated with multi-state Markov models, investigating the effects of age, sex and education. Results: 8174 wave 1 participants were included (3744 men and 4430 women; mean age 63.8 years). Probabilities from non-frail to prefrail, and non-frail to frail were 18% and 2%, respectively. Prefrail had a 19% probability of reversal to non-frail, and a 15% risk of progression to frail. Frail had a 21% probability of reversal to prefrail and 14% risk of death. Being older and female increased the risk of adverse FI state transitions, but being female reduced the risk of transition from frail to death. Higher level of education was associated with improvement from prefrail to non-frail. Conclusions: FI states are characterized by dynamic longitudinal transitions and frequent improvement. Opportunities exist for reducing the probability of adverse transitions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman Romero-Ortuno
- The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,Discipline of Medical Gerontology, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,Mercer's Institute for Successful Ageing, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Peter Hartley
- The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Silvin P Knight
- The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,Discipline of Medical Gerontology, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Rose Anne Kenny
- The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,Discipline of Medical Gerontology, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,Mercer's Institute for Successful Ageing, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Aisling M O'Halloran
- The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,Discipline of Medical Gerontology, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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12
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Cluley V, Martin G, Radnor Z, Banerjee J. Talking about frailty: The role of stigma and precarity in older peoples' constructions of frailty. J Aging Stud 2021; 58:100951. [PMID: 34425983 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaging.2021.100951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The clinical identification of frailty is increasingly thought to be important in countries with ageing populations. Understanding how older people labelled as frail make sense of this categorisation is therefore important. A number of recent studies have reported negative perceptions of the term among older people themselves. Building on this, we focus on how and why those assessed to be frail make sense of frailty as they do. We draw on 26a discourse analysis of situated interviews with 30 older people accessing emergency care in an English NHS hospital. Three interpretive repertoire pairs (Frailty is 26a bodily issue/frailty is about mind-set; Frailty is 26a negative experience/frailty is an inevitable experience; I'm not frail/I feel frail), identified across the participants' talk, are outlined and discussed in relation to discourses of the fourth age and precarity. We conclude that frailty is often seen in terms what others have referred to as 'real' old age and is linked to discourses of dependence and precarity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Cluley
- University of London, Business School, 106 Bunhill Row, London EC1Y 8TZ, UK.
| | | | | | - Jay Banerjee
- Consultant in Emergency Medicine, University Hospitals of Leicester, UK.
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13
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Abstract
There is growing interest in conceptualizing and diagnosing frailty. Less is understood, however, about older adults' perceptions of the term "frail", and the implications of being classified as "frail". The purpose of this scoping review was to map the breadth of primary studies; and describe the meaning, perceptions, and perceived implications of frailty language amongst community-dwelling older adults. Eight studies were included in the review and three core themes were identified: (1) understanding frailty as inevitable age-related decline in multiple domains, (2) perceiving frailty as a generalizing label, and (3) perceiving impacts of language on health and health care utilization. Clinical practice recommendations for health care professionals working with individuals with frailty include: (1) maintaining a holistic view of frailty that extends beyond physical function to include psychosocial and environmental constructs, (2) using person-first language, and (3) using a strengths-based approach to discuss aspects of frailty.
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14
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Ni Lochlainn M, Cox NJ, Wilson T, Hayhoe RPG, Ramsay SE, Granic A, Isanejad M, Roberts HC, Wilson D, Welch C, Hurst C, Atkins JL, Mendonça N, Horner K, Tuttiett ER, Morgan Y, Heslop P, Williams EA, Steves CJ, Greig C, Draper J, Corish CA, Welch A, Witham MD, Sayer AA, Robinson S. Nutrition and Frailty: Opportunities for Prevention and Treatment. Nutrients 2021; 13:2349. [PMID: 34371858 PMCID: PMC8308545 DOI: 10.3390/nu13072349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Frailty is a syndrome of growing importance given the global ageing population. While frailty is a multifactorial process, poor nutritional status is considered a key contributor to its pathophysiology. As nutrition is a modifiable risk factor for frailty, strategies to prevent and treat frailty should consider dietary change. Observational evidence linking nutrition with frailty appears most robust for dietary quality: for example, dietary patterns such as the Mediterranean diet appear to be protective. In addition, research on specific foods, such as a higher consumption of fruit and vegetables and lower consumption of ultra-processed foods are consistent, with healthier profiles linked to lower frailty risk. Few dietary intervention studies have been conducted to date, although a growing number of trials that combine supplementation with exercise training suggest a multi-domain approach may be more effective. This review is based on an interdisciplinary workshop, held in November 2020, and synthesises current understanding of dietary influences on frailty, focusing on opportunities for prevention and treatment. Longer term prospective studies and well-designed trials are needed to determine the causal effects of nutrition on frailty risk and progression and how dietary change can be used to prevent and/or treat frailty in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Ni Lochlainn
- Department of Twin Research and Genetics, King’s College London, St Thomas’ Hospital, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7EH, UK;
| | - Natalie J. Cox
- Academic Geriatric Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Tremona Road, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK; (N.J.C.); (H.C.R.)
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Thomas Wilson
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth SY23 3DA, UK; (T.W.); (J.D.)
| | - Richard P. G. Hayhoe
- Department of Epidemiology & Public Health, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK; (R.P.G.H.); (A.W.)
- School of Allied Health, Faculty of Health, Education, Medicine and Social Care, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford CM1 1SQ, UK
| | - Sheena E. Ramsay
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4AX, UK; (S.E.R.); (N.M.)
| | - Antoneta Granic
- AGE Research Group, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 5PL, UK; (A.G.); (C.H.); (P.H.); (M.D.W.); (A.A.S.)
- NIHR Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 5PL, UK
| | - Masoud Isanejad
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX, UK;
| | - Helen C. Roberts
- Academic Geriatric Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Tremona Road, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK; (N.J.C.); (H.C.R.)
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Daisy Wilson
- Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; (D.W.); (C.W.)
| | - Carly Welch
- Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; (D.W.); (C.W.)
- MRC-Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK;
| | - Christopher Hurst
- AGE Research Group, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 5PL, UK; (A.G.); (C.H.); (P.H.); (M.D.W.); (A.A.S.)
- NIHR Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 5PL, UK
| | - Janice L. Atkins
- Epidemiology & Public Health Group, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter EX1 2LU, UK;
| | - Nuno Mendonça
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4AX, UK; (S.E.R.); (N.M.)
- EpiDoC Unit, CEDOC, NOVA Medical School, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1150-082 Lisbon, Portugal
- Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), NOVA Medical School, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Katy Horner
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sport Science and UCD Institute of Food and Health, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland; (K.H.); (C.A.C.)
| | - Esme R. Tuttiett
- The Medical Research Council Versus Arthritis Centre for Integrated Research into Musculoskeletal Ageing and The Department of Oncology and Metabolism, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2RX, UK; (E.R.T.); (E.A.W.)
| | - Yvie Morgan
- EDESIA PhD Programme, University of East Anglia Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK;
| | - Phil Heslop
- AGE Research Group, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 5PL, UK; (A.G.); (C.H.); (P.H.); (M.D.W.); (A.A.S.)
| | - Elizabeth A. Williams
- The Medical Research Council Versus Arthritis Centre for Integrated Research into Musculoskeletal Ageing and The Department of Oncology and Metabolism, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2RX, UK; (E.R.T.); (E.A.W.)
| | - Claire J. Steves
- Department of Twin Research and Genetics, King’s College London, St Thomas’ Hospital, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7EH, UK;
| | - Carolyn Greig
- MRC-Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, University of Birmingham and University of Nottingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK;
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust and University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - John Draper
- Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth SY23 3DA, UK; (T.W.); (J.D.)
| | - Clare A. Corish
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sport Science and UCD Institute of Food and Health, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland; (K.H.); (C.A.C.)
| | - Ailsa Welch
- Department of Epidemiology & Public Health, Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK; (R.P.G.H.); (A.W.)
| | - Miles D. Witham
- AGE Research Group, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 5PL, UK; (A.G.); (C.H.); (P.H.); (M.D.W.); (A.A.S.)
- NIHR Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 5PL, UK
| | - Avan A. Sayer
- AGE Research Group, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 5PL, UK; (A.G.); (C.H.); (P.H.); (M.D.W.); (A.A.S.)
- NIHR Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 5PL, UK
| | - Sian Robinson
- AGE Research Group, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 5PL, UK; (A.G.); (C.H.); (P.H.); (M.D.W.); (A.A.S.)
- NIHR Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 5PL, UK
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15
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O'Halloran AM, Hartley P, Moloney D, McGarrigle C, Kenny RA, Romero-Ortuno R. Informing patterns of health and social care utilisation in Irish older people according to the Clinical Frailty Scale. HRB Open Res 2021; 4:54. [PMID: 34240005 PMCID: PMC8220351 DOI: 10.12688/hrbopenres.13301.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: There is increasing policy interest in the consideration of frailty measures (rather than chronological age alone) to inform more equitable allocation of health and social care resources. In this study the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) classification tree was applied to data from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) and correlated with health and social care utilisation. CFS transitions over time were also explored. Methods: Applying the CFS classification tree algorithm, secondary analyses of TILDA data were performed to examine distributions of health and social care by CFS categories using descriptive statistics weighted to the population of Ireland aged ≥65 years at Wave 5 (n=3,441; mean age 74.5 (SD ±7.0) years, 54.7% female). CFS transitions over 8 years and (Waves 1-5) were investigated using multi-state Markov models and alluvial charts. Results: The prevalence of CFS categories at Wave 5 were: 6% 'very fit', 36% 'fit', 31% 'managing well', 16% 'vulnerable', 6% 'mildly frail', 4% 'moderately frail' and 1% 'severely frail'. No participants were 'very severely frail' or 'terminally ill'. Increasing CFS categories were associated with increasing hospital and community health services use and increasing hours of formal and informal social care provision. The transitions analyses suggested CFS transitions are dynamic, with 2-year probability of transitioning from 'fit' (CFS1-3) to 'vulnerable' (CFS4), and 'fit' to 'frail' (CFS5+) at 34% and 6%, respectively. 'Vulnerable' and 'frail' had a 22% and 17% probability of reversal to 'fit' and 'vulnerable', respectively. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the CFS classification tree stratified the TILDA population aged ≥65 years into subgroups with increasing health and social care needs. The CFS could be used to aid the allocation of health and social care resources in older people in Ireland. We recommend that CFS status in individuals is reviewed at least every 2 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aisling M. O'Halloran
- TILDA, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Medical Gerontology, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Peter Hartley
- TILDA, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Medical Gerontology, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - David Moloney
- TILDA, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Medical Gerontology, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Mercer's Institute for Successful Ageing, St James's hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Christine McGarrigle
- TILDA, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Medical Gerontology, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Rose Anne Kenny
- TILDA, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Medical Gerontology, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Mercer's Institute for Successful Ageing, St James's hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Roman Romero-Ortuno
- TILDA, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Medical Gerontology, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Mercer's Institute for Successful Ageing, St James's hospital, Dublin, Ireland
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16
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Søvde BE, Sandvoll AM, Natvik E, Drageset J. In the borderland of the body: How home-dwelling older people experience frailty. Scand J Caring Sci 2021; 36:255-264. [PMID: 33939195 DOI: 10.1111/scs.12984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE The increasing number of frail home-dwelling older people has sharpened the focus on discovering and implementing suitable treatment and care in clinical practice, aiming to prevent loss of physical functioning and preserve their autonomy and well-being. People's embodied experiences may yield rich descriptions to help to understand frailty. Thoroughly understanding older people's individual perceptions is especially relevant because the numbers of home-dwelling older people are increasing, and people tend to develop more health problems and become frailer as they age. Their perspectives are important to develop knowledge and high-quality care. AIM To explore the lived experiences of frail home-dwelling older people. METHODS We conducted a phenomenological study to obtain in-depth descriptions of the phenomenon. We interviewed 10 home-dwelling older adults (seven women and three men, 72-90 years old) in depth about their lived experience of frailty. We analysed the data using a hermeneutic phenomenological approach described by van Manen. FINDINGS The lived experience of frailty is described in one essential theme: frailty as being in the borderland of the body, including three interrelated subthemes: (1) the body shuts down; (2) living on the edge; and (3) not giving up. CONCLUSIONS Our study gives insight into lived experiences with frailty among home-dwelling older people related to their own body. Older people's experience of meaningful activities strengthened their feeling of being themselves, despite their frail and deteriorating body. Healthcare providers must consider the strategies of frail older people to consider both their vulnerabilities and self-perceived strengths. The resources and deficits of frail older people present in the state of being frail need to be recognised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bente Egge Søvde
- Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Førde, Norway.,Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Anne Marie Sandvoll
- Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Førde, Norway
| | - Eli Natvik
- Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Førde, Norway
| | - Jorunn Drageset
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Health and Social Sciences, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bergen, Norway
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17
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Cluley V, Martin G, Radnor Z, Banerjee J. Frailty as biographical disruption. SOCIOLOGY OF HEALTH & ILLNESS 2021; 43:948-965. [PMID: 33969903 DOI: 10.1111/1467-9566.13269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Biographical disruption positions the onset of chronic illness as a major life disruption in which changes to body, self and resources occur (Sociology of Health & Illness, 4, 1982, 167-182). The concept has been used widely in medical sociology. It has also been subject to critique and development by numerous scholars. In this paper, we build on recent developments of the concept, particularly those taking a phenomenological approach, to argue that it can also help in understanding other disruptive health-related experiences across the life course, in this case the onset of frailty. We draw on the findings of 30 situated interviews with frail older people, relating their experiences of frailty to the concept of biographical disruption. We show that frailty shares many similarities with the experience of chronic illness. Using the lens of biographical disruption to understand frailty also offers insights relevant to recent debates around both concepts, and on the continued relevance of the idea of biographical disruption given changing experiences of health and illness, including the circumstances in which biographical disruption is more and less likely to be experienced. Finally, we reflect on the potentials and limitations of applying the concept to a health-related condition that cannot be categorised as a disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Cluley
- Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Graham Martin
- THIS Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Zoe Radnor
- The Business School (formerly Cass), City, University of London, London, UK
| | - Jay Banerjee
- University Hospitals of Leicester, NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
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18
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Baquero Larriva MT, Higueras García E. Differences in Perceptions of the Urban Acoustic Environment in Older Adults: A Systematic Review. JOURNAL OF POPULATION AGEING 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12062-021-09325-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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19
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Lewis EG, Breckons M, Lee RP, Dotchin C, Walker R. Rationing care by frailty during the COVID-19 pandemic. Age Ageing 2021; 50:7-10. [PMID: 32725156 PMCID: PMC7454249 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afaa171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is disproportionately affecting older people and those with underlying comorbidities. Guidelines are needed to help clinicians make decisions regarding appropriate use of limited NHS critical care resources. In response to the pandemic, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence published guidance that employs the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) in a decision-making flowchart to assist clinicians in assessing older individuals' suitability for critical care. This commentary raises some important limitations to this use of the CFS and cautions against the potential for unintended impacts. The COVID-19 pandemic has allowed the widespread implementation of the CFS with limited training or expert oversight. The CFS is primarily being used to assess older individuals' risk of adverse outcome in critical care, and to ration access to care on this basis. While some form of resource allocation strategy is necessary for emergencies, the implementation of this guideline in the absence of significant pressure on resources may reduce the likelihood of older people with frailty, who wish to be considered for critical care, being appropriately considered, and has the potential to reinforce the socio-economic gradient in health. Our incomplete understanding of this novel disease means that there is a need for research investigating the short-term predictive abilities of the CFS on critical care outcomes in COVID-19. Additionally, a review of the impact of stratifying older people by CFS score as a rationing strategy is necessary in order to assess its acceptability to older people as well as its potential for disparate impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Grace Lewis
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Matthew Breckons
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Richard P Lee
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Catherine Dotchin
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Tyne and Wear, UK
| | - Richard Walker
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Tyne and Wear, UK
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20
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Assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the Clinical Frailty Scale through correlation with a frailty index. Aging Clin Exp Res 2020; 32:2225-2232. [PMID: 31898172 DOI: 10.1007/s40520-019-01450-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Care for the elderly patient is a challenge that geriatricians now share with other medical specialties. Frailty has emerged as a key concept. Due to its simplicity and applicability, the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) is gaining increasing acceptance. AIM Compare the CFS with the Frail-VIG index (IF-VIG), an index based on the accumulation of deficits and developed on the basis of comprehensive geriatric assessment. METHODS Cross-sectional and single-center study carried out at the Acute Geriatric Unit of a University Hospital. Patients consecutively recruited on admission over a 6-month period (n = 184). The concurrent validity of the CFS was measured by assessing the concordance between the two measurement methods. The degree of association was determined by applying a linear regression model, calculating the Pearson correlation coefficient (r). RESULTS The prevalence of frailty was 91.8%. A mean IF-VIG score of 0.41 (SD ± 0.14) was found. The two most frequently recorded CFS categories were 6 and 7. An effective correlation was established (r = 0.706, p < 0.001). In the cohort with severe dementia, the association fell (r = 0.442). In the whole population, it rose adding Charlson index score (r = 0.747). CONCLUSIONS The strong correlation of the CFS with a frailty index supports its use. Incorporating comorbidity into the physical function domains of the CFS improved the correlation. However, the CFS was unsuitable in patients with dementia. To infer prognosis, in categories 6 and 7, the situational diagnosis should be extended with more discriminative tools.
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21
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Mendonça N, Kingston A, Yadegarfar M, Hanson H, Duncan R, Jagger C, Robinson L. Transitions between frailty states in the very old: the influence of socioeconomic status and multi-morbidity in the Newcastle 85+ cohort study. Age Ageing 2020; 49:974-981. [PMID: 32342980 PMCID: PMC7583524 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afaa054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Using Newcastle 85+ Study data, we investigated transitions between frailty states from age 85 to 90 years and whether multi-morbidities and socioeconomic status (SES) modify transitions. Methods The Newcastle 85+ Study is a prospective, longitudinal cohort study of all people born in 1921 in Newcastle and North Tyneside. Data included: a multidimensional health assessment; general practice record review (GPRR) and date of death. Using the Fried phenotype (participants defined as robust, pre-frail or frail), frailty was measured at baseline, 18, 36 and 60 months. Results Frailty scores were available for 82% (696/845) of participants at baseline. The prevalence of frailty was higher in women (29.7%, 123/414) than men (17.7%, 50/282) at baseline and all subsequent time points. Of those robust at baseline, 44.6% (50/112) remained robust at 18 months and 28% (14/50) at age 90. Most (52%) remained in the same state across consecutive interviews; only 6% of the transitions were recovery (from pre-frail to robust or frail to pre-frail), and none were from frail to robust. Four or more diseases inferred a greater likelihood of progression from robust to pre-frail even after adjustment for SES. SES did not influence the likelihood of moving from one frailty state to another. Conclusions Almost half the time between age 85 and 90, on average, was spent in a pre-frail state; multi-morbidity increased the chance of progression from robust and to frail; greater clinical intervention at the onset of a first chronic illness, to prevent transition to multi-morbidity, should be encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuno Mendonça
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, NE2 4AX, UK
- EpiDoC Unit, CHRC, NOVA Medical School, Universidade Nova de Lisboa (NMS-UNL), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Andrew Kingston
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, NE2 4AX, UK
| | - Mohammad Yadegarfar
- Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, Leeds University, UK
| | - Helen Hanson
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, NE2 4AX, UK
- The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, NE1 4LP, UK
| | - Rachel Duncan
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, NE2 4AX, UK
- The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, NE1 4LP, UK
| | - Carol Jagger
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, NE2 4AX, UK
| | - Louise Robinson
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, NE2 4AX, UK
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22
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Abstract
Abstract
Frailty is increasingly used in clinical settings to describe a physiological state resulting from a combination of age-related co-morbidities. Frailty also has a strong ‘lay’ meaning that conjures a particular way of being. Recent studies have reported how frail older people perceive the term frailty, showing that frailty is often an unwanted and resisted label. While there are many scores and measures that clinicians can use to determine frailty, little has been published regarding how health-care professionals use and make sense of the term. This paper reports the findings of a qualitative study that explored how health professionals perceive frailty. Forty situated interviews were conducted with health-care professionals working in an emergency department in the English Midlands. The interview talk was analysed using discourse analysis. The findings show that the health professionals negotiate an ‘ideological dilemma’ – a tension between contradictory sets of meanings and consequences for action – based on their ‘lay’ and clinical experience of the term frailty. It is concluded that this dilemma could have a negative impact on the assessment of frailty depending on the system of assessment used.
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Teixeira-Gomes A, Lage B, Esteves F, Sousa AC, Pastorinho MR, Valdiglesias V, Costa S, Laffon B, Teixeira JP. Frailty syndrome, biomarkers and environmental factors - A pilot study. Toxicol Lett 2020; 330:14-22. [PMID: 32380123 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2020.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Frailty is an age-related syndrome expected to increase over the next decades. This syndrome has been identified to be the most common condition leading to disability, institutionalisation and death in the elderly. The aim of this pilot study is to investigate a possible link between frailty status, biomarkers and environmental exposures. A group of 71 older adults (≥65 years old) was engaged in this study. The study population was classified as 45.1% robust, 45.1% pre-frail and 9.8% frail. A significant higher prevalence of second-hand smokers was found in the pre-frail group when compared to robust. Furthermore, a higher prevalence of robust individuals was found among those consuming home-produced vegetables and water from well/springs. Significant differences were found between data collected in a lifetime exposure questionnaire (LTEQ) and the levels of genotoxicity endpoints and the mercury levels analysed regarding some exposure-related parameters, namely, smoking habits, intake of home-produced vegetables and the use of pesticides in agriculture. Understanding if the way we live(d) or worked can impact the way we age are important questions to be explored. Data obtained in this pilot study encourage further studies on this matter, exploring the role of exposures history and its impact on health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armanda Teixeira-Gomes
- EPIUnit - Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, Rua das Taipas, no 135, 4050-600, Porto, Portugal; Environmental Health Department, National Institute of Health, Porto, Portugal; ICBAS - Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Bruna Lage
- EPIUnit - Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, Rua das Taipas, no 135, 4050-600, Porto, Portugal; Environmental Health Department, National Institute of Health, Porto, Portugal
| | - Filipa Esteves
- EPIUnit - Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, Rua das Taipas, no 135, 4050-600, Porto, Portugal; Environmental Health Department, National Institute of Health, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Catarina Sousa
- CICS-UBI, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal; NuESA, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal; CICECO, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - M Ramiro Pastorinho
- CICS-UBI, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal; NuESA, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Vanessa Valdiglesias
- EPIUnit - Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, Rua das Taipas, no 135, 4050-600, Porto, Portugal; DICOMOSA Group, Area of Psychobiology, Department of Psychology, University of A Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Solange Costa
- EPIUnit - Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, Rua das Taipas, no 135, 4050-600, Porto, Portugal; Environmental Health Department, National Institute of Health, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Blanca Laffon
- DICOMOSA Group, Area of Psychobiology, Department of Psychology, University of A Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
| | - João Paulo Teixeira
- EPIUnit - Instituto de Saúde Pública da Universidade do Porto, Rua das Taipas, no 135, 4050-600, Porto, Portugal; Environmental Health Department, National Institute of Health, Porto, Portugal
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24
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González-Montalvo JI, Ramírez-Martín R, Menéndez Colino R, Alarcón T, Tarazona-Santabalbina FJ, Martínez-Velilla N, Vidán MT, Pi-Figueras Valls M, Formiga F, Rodríguez Couso M, Hormigo Sánchez AI, Vilches-Moraga A, Rodríguez-Pascual C, Gutiérrez Rodríguez J, Gómez-Pavón J, Sáez López P, Bermejo Boixareu C, Serra Rexach JA, Martínez Peromingo J, Sánchez Castellano C, González Guerrero JL, Martín-Sánchez FJ. [Cross-speciality geriatrics: A health-care challenge for the 21st century]. Rev Esp Geriatr Gerontol 2020; 55:84-97. [PMID: 31870507 DOI: 10.1016/j.regg.2019.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Increasing numbers of older persons are being treated by specialties other than Geriatric Medicine. Specialists turn to Geriatric Teams when they need to accurately stratify their patients' risk and prognosis, predict the potential impact of their, often, invasive interventions, optimise their clinical status, and contribute to discharge planning. Oncology and Haematology, Cardiology, General Surgery, and other surgical departments are examples where such collaborative working is already established, to a varying extent. The use of the term "Cross-speciality Geriatrics" is suggested when geriatric care is provided in clinical areas traditionally outside the reach of Geriatric Teams. The core principles of Geriatric Medicine (comprehensive geriatric assessment, patient-centred multidisciplinary targeted interventions, and input at point-of-care) are adapted to the specifics of each specialty and applied to frail older patients in order to deliver a holistic assessment/treatment, better patient/carer experience, and improved clinical outcomes. Using Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment methodology and Frailty scoring in such patients provides invaluable prognostic information, helps in decision making, and enables personalised treatment strategies. There is evidence that such an approach improves the efficiency of health care systems and patient outcomes. This article includes a review of these concepts, describes existing models of care, presents the most commonly used clinical tools, and offers examples of excellence in this new era of geriatric care. In an ever ageing population it is likely that teams will be asked to provide Cross-specialty Geriatrics across different Health Care systems. The fundamentals for its implementation are in place, but further evidence is required to guide future development and consolidation, making it one of the most important challenges for Geriatrics in the coming years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Ignacio González-Montalvo
- Servicio de Geriatría, Hospital Universitario La Paz, IdiPAZ, Madrid, España; Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, España.
| | | | | | - Teresa Alarcón
- Servicio de Geriatría, Hospital Universitario La Paz, IdiPAZ, Madrid, España; Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, España
| | | | - Nicolás Martínez-Velilla
- Navarrabiomed, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra (CHN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), IDISNA, Pamplona, España
| | - María Teresa Vidán
- Servicio de Geriatría, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, IiSGM, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, CIBERFES, Madrid, España
| | | | - Francesc Formiga
- Unidad de Geriatría, Servicio de Medicina Interna, IDIBELL, Hospital Universitario de Bellvitge, ĹHospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, España
| | | | - Ana Isabel Hormigo Sánchez
- Servicio de Geriatría, Hospital Universitario Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid, España; Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, España
| | - Arturo Vilches-Moraga
- Servicio de Geriatría, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Manchester, Manchester, Inglaterra
| | | | - José Gutiérrez Rodríguez
- Área de Gestión Clínica de Geriatría, Hospital Monte Naranco, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias, Oviedo, España
| | - Javier Gómez-Pavón
- Servicio de Geriatría, Hospital Central de la Cruz Roja San José y Santa Adela, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Alfonso X el Sabio, Madrid, España
| | - Pilar Sáez López
- Unidad de Geriatría, Hospital Universitario Fundación de Alcorcón, IdiPAZ, Alcorcón, Madrid, España
| | | | - José Antonio Serra Rexach
- Servicio de Geriatría, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, IiSGM, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, CIBERFES, Madrid, España
| | | | | | - José Luis González Guerrero
- Servicio de Geriatría, Hospital San Pedro de Alcántara, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Cáceres, Cáceres, España
| | - Francisco Javier Martín-Sánchez
- Servicio de Urgencias, Hospital Universitario Clínico San Carlos, IdiSSC, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, España
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