Research Paper Volume 12, Issue 2 pp 1128—1140
Development of frailty subtypes and their associated risk factors among the community-dwelling elderly population
- 1 Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China
- 2 Public Health Office, Dalang Town Community Health Service Center, Dongguan 523808, China
- 3 Department of Nursing, Dalang Town Community Health Service Center, Dongguan 523808, China
- 4 Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
Received: September 26, 2019 Accepted: December 24, 2019 Published: January 16, 2020
https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.102671How to Cite
Abstract
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.