Physical and multidimensional frailty in active older adults from a social foundation in southern Chile
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29352/mill0230.44830Keywords:
frailty; older adults; Tilburg Frailty Indicator; frailty phenotype; healthy agingAbstract
Introduction: Frailty is a geriatric syndrome characterized by reduced physiological reserve and increased vulnerability to stressors. It can be conceptualized through a physical model (Fried) or a multidimensional approach (TFI), incorporating psychological and social domains. In Chile, frailty is a growing public health challenge due to the rapid aging of the population.
Objective: To determine the prevalence of physical and multidimensional frailty among active older adults from a social foundation in southern Chile and to assess the association between both classifications.
Methods: A quantitative, descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted using probabilistic simple random sampling. The sample included 124 adults aged 60 and over, functionally independent and active in community workshops. A sociodemographic questionnaire, the Fried frailty phenotype, and the Tilburg Frailty Indicator (TFI) were applied. Analyses included descriptive statistics, 95% confidence intervals, the chi-square (χ²) test to assess the association between both frailty classifications, and Cramer’s V to estimate the magnitude of this association.
Results: A total of 52.4% presented prefrailty and 11.3% were frail according to Fried. Multidimensional frailty reached 36.3%. Muscle weakness was the most prevalent physical criterion. Moderate psychological symptoms and adequate social support levels were observed. The chi-square test showed a statistically significant association of moderate magnitude between Fried and TFI frailty classifications (χ² = 19.97; df = 2; p < 0.001; Cramer’s V = 0.40).
Conclusion: Frailty is prevalent even among active older adults. The high proportion of prefrailty underscores the need for comprehensive preventive strategies focused on physical exercise, emotional support, and social network strengthening.
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