Frailty

http://goo.gl/BvDosg
I’m falling into disrepair.

 Anne Tyler

The Frailty Syndrome: 5 Traits
  1. Weight Loss > 10 lbs over a year
  2. Frequent Exhaustion
  3. Lower Levels of Activity
  4. Slow Gait
  5. Poor Grip Strength
Source: Dr Linda Fried, Johns Hopkins 2001
Fundamental Problems with Frailty

-It’s Age Related 4 out of 10 ‘Frail’ are > 85 yrs old

-Lack of a “physiological safety net” to bounce back from infections and injuries

-Medical System is not equipped well to deal with frailty; system design is Reactive (too late)

-Loved ones become Collateral damage and get pulled down with the frail elder

Good News: Frailty is not necessarily a given with old age.