Introduction

Frailty is a medical condition where there is reduced function and health in older individuals.

It is estimated that 1.1 million (22%) of older adults who live in the community are frail. Frailty increases with age. Females are more likely to be frail as compared to males. Older adults from lower education households and those who were not married or without a life partner are more likely to be frail (Gilmour & Ramage-Morin, 2021).

Risk factors for frailty include:

• inactivity
• poor nutrition
• social isolation or loneliness
• multiple medications (Canadian Frailty Network)

When working with individuals with frailty they benefit from hearing the word ‘frailty’. As nurses we can use the term Frailty instead of just saying the individual is ‘just slowing down’ or attributing changes to the aging process. Hearing the word frailty validates their thoughts and feelings, and indicates the healthcare provider is listening to what they are saying and experiencing. Also, by calling it frailty you can show the individual and their family or friends things like a frailty scale and resources (including the Canadian Frailty Network resources), so they can better understand the concept of frailty and its trajectory.

References