Frailty

Frailty is a common clinical syndrome experienced by older people. It is characterised by a decline of physical and cognitive reserves that leads to increased vulnerability. Frailty can affect your recovery:

• frailty is associated with increased risk of falls, longer hospital admissions, and difficulty recovering from illness and surgery
• when getting ready for surgery it is important to be as healthy as possible
• as people age they are at greater risk of becoming frail while awaiting surgery 
• it is important to address frailty if you are waiting for surgery as it can lead to delayed healing or other complications following the operation
• frailty can be prevented or reversed, so speak with your GP.

Your GP will:

• review reasons you may be feeling tired or fatigued
• review your medications (prescription and over the counter)
• recommend specific exercises to help you build muscle & help balance
• recommend certain foods to optimise nutrition.