Frailty is an ageing-related syndrome in which multiple physiological processes decline. This can lead to adverse health outcomes in older people. These outcomes include injury, reduced function, hospitalisations, admission to residential aged care and mortality. There is also overall poorer quality of life and wellbeing.
Currently, 1 in 7 Australians are over the age of 65 years, therefore continued good health as we age is becoming increasingly important.
Physiotherapists are in a perfect position to identify those at risk of frailty, assist to prevent onset, reduce severity of established frailty and promote healthy ageing at all stages of life.