[Prevention of frailty].

Abstract

Background: The presence of frailty in older patients increases the risk for adverse health events and for a loss of independence. Measures for the prevention of this geriatric syndrome should be incorporated into routine healthcare.

Objective: What types of interventions could be effective in the prevention of frailty and how can preventive strategies be successfully implemented?

Method: Narrative review article.

Results: The concept of frailty is multidimensional and potential starting points for a prevention of frailty can be found within different dimensions (e.g., dimensions of physical activity and nutrition, psychosocial dimension). Epidemiological analyses have identified factors that increase or decrease the risk for becoming frail. Evidence from randomized controlled trials that examined the effectiveness of specific interventions in the prevention of frailty is still limited. Based on the available data, interventions using physical exercise appear to be effective in preventing frailty. In primary care in Germany the frailty status of older patients is not yet routinely recorded, which impedes the identification of patients at risk (patients with pre-frailty) and the implementation of targeted preventive strategies. The Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) concept of the World Health Organization offers a potential approach to prevent frailty and to promote healthy ageing within the population.

Conclusion: The prevention of frailty is possible and reasonable. Comprehensive and targeted preventive strategies are yet to be implemented.