Frail senior

An elderly patient is not specifically defined by age but rather is characterised by a high degree of fragility and multiple active illnesses that become more common among those aged 80 or older.

Fragility has a multi-factorial etiology. Factors responsible for its emergence include: atherosclerosis, cognitive deterioration, malnutrition and sarcopenia.

FRAGILITY is a clinical syndrome resulting from deterioration related to the aging process in multiple physiological systems that determine a condition of vulnerability. Early intervention with fragile persons is important since this would improve the quality of their lives and bring down health costs.

One of the most significant geriatric syndromes is SARCOPENIA, which is characterised by a disproportionate loss of muscle mass and strength accompanied by a reduction in physical activity, functionality and performance. This leads to physical deterioration, fragility, impairment and dependency as well as a weakening of metabolic adaptation to stress and illness.

Sarcopenia’s risk factors are reduction in physical activity, nutritional deficits, chronic inflammation and obesity (sarcopenic obesity).

Nutrition is important in regulating health and the quality of life in older individuals.