Development of frailty subtypes and their associated risk factors among the community-dwelling elderly population

• Published in: Aging (Albany, NY.) NY.), 2020-01, Vol.12 (2), p.1128-1140
• Main Authors: Zhang, Yan, Xu, Xiu-Juan, Lian, Ting-Yu, Huang, Ling-Feng, Zeng, Jin-Mei, Liang, Dong-Mei, Yin, Ming-Juan, Huang, Jing-Xiao, Xiu, Liang-Chang, Yu, Zu-Wei, Li, Yu-Lian, Mao, Chen, Ni, Jin-Dong
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Frail Elderly; Frailty; Geriatric Assessment; Health Status; Humans; Independent Living; Male; Middle Aged; Odds Ratio; Population Surveillance; Research Paper; Risk Factors
• ISSN: 1945-4589; 1945-4589
• DOI: 10.18632/aging.102671

In order to explore frailty subtypes and find their associated risk factors, we conducted cross-sectional surveys of 5,341 seniors aged 60 and over in China using the Frailty Index (FI) scale. We identified four frailty subtypes, namely multi-frail, cognitive and functionally frail, psychologically frail and physiologically frail. Old age and low education level were the common risk factors among the four subtypes. Being widowed, divorced or unmarried was a risk factor for multi-frail, cognitive and functionally frail and psychologically frail, and male sex was a protective factor against cognitive and functionally frail and psychologically frail subtypes. Having a harmonious relationship with family was a protective factor against multi-frail, and fewer visits to the elderly by their children was a risk factor for psychologically frail. Dissatisfaction with their housing was a risk factor for cognitive and functionally frail, psychologically frail and physiologically frail, and a pension being the main source of income was a risk factor for cognitive and functionally frail and psychologically frail. Exercising every day was a protective factor against multi-frail and cognitive and functionally frail, and a lower level of physical activity was a risk factor for all four frailty subtypes. Our findings confirm the heterogeneity of frailty and suggest that different frail elderly individuals need more targeted care interventions.