Understanding Frailty in Older People: An Epidemiological Insight

Abstract:: To maintain quality of life as we age, and to reduce the health care costs associated with ageing, we first need to find better ways to identify older people at risk of adverse outcomes. The measurement of frailty, a key concept in geriatric medicine, may provide this exact information. Currently, epidemiological knowledge of frailty that can be translated to clinical practice and policy is lacking. My research will use large-scale epidemiological databases to investigate the association of frailty with: (i) health service use in community-dwelling older people; (ii) prolonged length of stay and admission to High Level Care in hospitalised older Australians; and (iii) quality of life and well-being in low- to middle income countries. Results from my proposed research program will be of value from both clinical and policy perspectives. For example, if a frailty measurement is able to strongly predict the occurrence of adverse health outcomes, then its use can improve levels of standards of care in older people, as well as inform change management decisions. Dissemination of findings from my research will also inform future intervention trials in older people.
Grant type:: NHMRC Early Career Fellowships
Funded by:: National Health and Medical Research Council

The University of Queensland