Factors Related to Frailty among the Elderly in South Korea: A 3-year Longitudinal Study

Abstract

PURPOSE

To examine factors associated with frailty among the young-old elderly (YOE) and old–old elderly (OOE).

METHODS

This longitudinal study with a 3-year follow-up included 486 participants who received home care services.

FINDINGS

Precipitous weight loss and depression in the YOE and worsening of complex mobility and depression in the OOE were associated with worsened frailty over the 3-year period.

CONCLUSIONS

To prevent frailty, we suggest weight-loss prevention programs for the YOE, lower-limb exercise programs for the OOE, and depression management programs for both groups.

Implications for Nursing Practice

The findings may be used by geriatric nurses in developing programs to prevent frailty in the OOE and YOE, and in administering nursing intervention programs at nursing home centers.

Keywords

elderly frailty longitudinal

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