Abstract

Background: In recent years, there have been increased hospital admissions, readmissions, and emergency visits due to sarcopenia and frailty; thus, new countermeasures are required. Therefore, this study examined the prevalence and risk factors of frailty using the Fried Frailty Phenotype Questionnaire among older people in a depopulated area.

Methods: This study enrolled 106 older people who voluntarily participated in an extensive medical examination for the early detection of age-related diseases in the depopulated town of Wakasa in Fukui Prefecture. After obtaining written informed consent from all subjects, we conducted a basic questionnaire survey and physical function measurement, followed by a Fried Frailty Phenotype Questionnaire survey and explanation of the results by a physician.

Results: Of the 106 older people, 36.7%, 53.7%, and 9.4% were classified into the nonfrail, prefrail, and frail groups, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that hospital admission was an independent risk factor of frailty.

Conclusion: In this survey using the Fried Frailty Phenotype Questionnaire, 9.4% were frail, while 53.7% were prefrail; thus, more than 60% needed to improve their frailty status. Effective interventions to prevent frailty are required after hospital discharge. Frailty checks should also be simple and administered to many older people.