Physical Frailty, Social Support and Psychological Well-being in the Older Portuguese Population

Abstract

Objectives: Research on physical frailty phenotypes in community-dwelling older adults is important to estimate their prevalence. The aims of this study were to estimate the prevalence of pre physical frailty (pre-FF) and physical frailty (FF) in a Portuguese sample of old adults and explore the associations between these phenotypes and demographic, comorbidity, social support, and psychological well-being factors.

Methods: We assessed frailty (Fried criteria) in 250 community-dwelling older adults (179 women) aged 60 years or over (mean 71.04 years) without dementia, neurological or psychiatric disorders. Physical health, social support and psychological well-being were diagnosed according to questionnaires Charlson Index, Medical Outcomes Study Social Support, and General Health, respectively.

Results: Prevalence of pre-FF was 43.2%, and that of FF, 29.6%. Physical frailty profiles differed significantly in relation to age, education, physical health (comorbidity), and psychological well-being, but not in sex.

Implications: The present study reaffirm prevalence rates of pre-FF and FF in Portugal, and adds evidence to the association between FF, physical health, social support and psychological well-being underlining its importance in the quality of aging.