Frailty, Sarcopenia and Falls

Excerpt

Research confirms that frailty, sarcopenia and falls are strongly correlated [1] and both are predictors of negative health outcomes such as falls, disability, hospitalisation and death [2]. Interventions are necessary to reverse frailty and treat sarcopenia [3] as it has been estimated that, by the year 2025, around 20% of the population in industrial countries will be aged 65 years and over. As the number of older people increases, their needs will become an increasingly important health issue. Reduction in physical function can lead to loss of independence, need for hospital and long-term nursing home care and premature death. The importance of physical, functional, psychological and social factors in realising a healthy old age is recognised by older people, health-care professionals, policy advisors and decision-makers.