Frailty ‘canary in the coal mine’ for elderly

ALMOST half of elderly Australians who live in their own homes are at risk of falls and delirium, an Australian-first study has found.

The landmark report, which surveyed 3000 Australians aged over 65, found 6 per cent were frail and 38 per cent were considered “pre-frail”, with women more likely to be frail.

Experts say the previously undetected extent of the “invisible condition” of frailty is a wake-up call for elderly Australians whose health is at risk of rapidly declining, which could lead to worsening disability, institutionalisation and sudden death.

The major study will be released today by Aged Care Minister Ken Wyatt, along with a new five-point online test designed to uncover frailty and spark simple interventions to help older Australians maintain their independence.

About 80 per cent of older Australians live in their own homes, and Mr Wyatt said early interventions like the “game-changer” test could help halt or reverse frailty.

“People have the opportunity to detect frailty before it hits, allowing them to take action to live better lives,” he said. The government-funded study, produced by aged care provider Benetas, found 56 per cent of elderly Australians were considered to be robust, while 41 per cent of women were classed as pre-frail compared with 34 per cent of men.

Benetas project leader Stephen Burgess said frailty was the “canary in the coal mine” and could help detect a rapid health decline.

The online frailty test asks questions on fatigue, resistance, weight and ambulation illnesses, and a summary of results is produced for a person’s doctor. It can be completed at parc.net.au.