Literature Review of Frailty and Multi-morbidity in Older Adults: Exploring the Complex Relationship

Abstract

In older adults, frailty and multi-morbidity are common conditions that lead to the increase vulnerability, healthcare outcomes and poor physical and mental health outcomes. This literature review contributes to the study of the complex and dynamic relationship of multi-morbidity and frailty. It also emphasizes various other factors that contribute to the frailty irrespective of presence of multi-morbidities. On dissecting existing literature, it is observed that high physical activity levels and functional independence play pivotal role on older adults in development of frailty. The presence of multiple morbidities and co-morbidity are indicators for development of risk of frailty. The targeted rehabilitation and treatment plan can help older adults to achieve good health outcomes in frail multi-morbid older adults. The frailty scoreis recognized tool for assessment of chronic stress and frailty known as Rockwood score system. The score system presents insightsinto frailty and multiple morbidity of older adults. Keywords: Frailty, older adults, multi-morbidity, functionality, Rockwood Frailty Score, comorbidity.