Retirement
Frailty not ‘inevitable result of ageing’, can be reversed
Nearly 40 per cent of senior Australians are at risk of frailty, but there are ways to halt or reverse the onset, new research reveals.
Frailty not ‘inevitable result of ageing’, can be reversed
Nearly 40 per cent of senior Australians are at risk of frailty, but there are ways to halt or reverse the onset, new research reveals.
The government-funded study, Frailty in Community Dwelling Older People – Using Frailty Screening as the Canary in the Coal Mine revealed that while 38 per cent of people older than 65 are “pre-frail”, identification of risk factors, diet modifications, increased activity and re-evaluation of medication have the potential to turn back the clock.
The research, performed by not-for-profit aged care provider Benetas, also found that 6 per cent of older Australians can be described as frail. The researchers defined frailty as reduced resilience to external stressors.
“For older people, frailty is the ‘canary in the coalmine’ that can detect an adverse decline before it happens,” Benetas’ Stephen Burgess and Dr Cheryl Hercus explained.
To Aged Care Minister Ken Wyatt, the ability to detect frailty is a “game changer” in helping older Aussies have a “healthier and more active future”.
The research, obtained by a screening questionnaire which measured Fatigue, Resistance, Ambulation Illnesses and Loss of weight (FRAIL), also found that women were more likely to be frail than men, with 8 per cent and 5 per cent corresponding prevalence.
Further, 41 per cent of women were found to be pre-frail, compared to 34 per cent of men.
Nevertheless, the fact that not all seniors were frail or pre-frail suggests that frailty is “not an inevitable result of ageing and may be prevented or treated”, Mr Wyatt said.
“Importantly, the study recommends that with the right support at the right time, frailty can be halted or even reversed by consulting with health professionals for safe, simple, inexpensive, practical interventions,” he continued.
The study suggested boosting protein intake and taking vitamin D supplements as dietary changes with the potential to turn back the clock.
Increasing physical activity through light resistance exercises and walking and considering prescription medication intake with a GP were also listed as effective interventions.
Mr Wyatt also urged older Australians to take the FRAIL test, arguing that early intervention “can also contribute to a more sustainable and efficient aged care system”.
The test can be accessed via the Positive Ageing Resource Centre website and includes a printable personal summary which can be presented to healthcare professionals, Mr Wyatt’s office said.
“We know Australians overwhelmingly want to remain in their own homes for as long as possible and that staying strong and healthy is the best way to achieve this,” the minister concluded.
Retirement Planning
What you need to know to get ahead financially
Australians looking to get ahead are being advised to analyse their financial situation, set financial goals and reduce debt whenever possible. ...Read more
Retirement Planning
How to adjust your wealth strategy during COVID
Investors are being urged to be conservative about spending, reduce debt and be careful of assets that are supported by government spending, as they look to adjust their wealth strategies during the f...Read more
Retirement Planning
Should older Australians downsize their property?
Older Australians face the dilemma of not being confident about their retirement outcomes, but are among the wealthiest retirees in the world due to a large proportion of their wealth being tied up i...Read more
Retirement Planning
Self-funded retirees ‘hung out to dry’ by 2020 budget
The Association of Independent Retirees has slammed last night’s federal budget release, accusing the government of overlooking older Australians in its post-COVID-19 recovery plans. ...Read more
Retirement Planning
Work backwards and buffer: How to set (and stick to) financial goals
Working backwards is one of the most effective ways for individuals to set financial goals that actually work, according to a finance director. ...Read more
Retirement Planning
What are self-funded retirees most worried about in 2020?
The national economy, the value of investments and the ability to manage long-term finances are top of mind of self-funded retirees reeling from the effects of a worldwide economic slump. ...Read more
Retirement Planning
Boost your super in the comfort of your own home
There’s a new way for retirees to top up their super through the downsizer contribution without having to move out of their home – and it’s got the approval of the ATO. ...Read more
Retirement Planning
How you’ll retire depends on personal values as much as dollars
Ever wondered why some people accumulate more wealth than others, even when their incomes are on par? It probably stems from their personal values, writes Helen Baker. ...Read more
Retirement Planning
What you need to know to get ahead financially
Australians looking to get ahead are being advised to analyse their financial situation, set financial goals and reduce debt whenever possible. ...Read more
Retirement Planning
How to adjust your wealth strategy during COVID
Investors are being urged to be conservative about spending, reduce debt and be careful of assets that are supported by government spending, as they look to adjust their wealth strategies during the f...Read more
Retirement Planning
Should older Australians downsize their property?
Older Australians face the dilemma of not being confident about their retirement outcomes, but are among the wealthiest retirees in the world due to a large proportion of their wealth being tied up i...Read more
Retirement Planning
Self-funded retirees ‘hung out to dry’ by 2020 budget
The Association of Independent Retirees has slammed last night’s federal budget release, accusing the government of overlooking older Australians in its post-COVID-19 recovery plans. ...Read more
Retirement Planning
Work backwards and buffer: How to set (and stick to) financial goals
Working backwards is one of the most effective ways for individuals to set financial goals that actually work, according to a finance director. ...Read more
Retirement Planning
What are self-funded retirees most worried about in 2020?
The national economy, the value of investments and the ability to manage long-term finances are top of mind of self-funded retirees reeling from the effects of a worldwide economic slump. ...Read more
Retirement Planning
Boost your super in the comfort of your own home
There’s a new way for retirees to top up their super through the downsizer contribution without having to move out of their home – and it’s got the approval of the ATO. ...Read more
Retirement Planning
How you’ll retire depends on personal values as much as dollars
Ever wondered why some people accumulate more wealth than others, even when their incomes are on par? It probably stems from their personal values, writes Helen Baker. ...Read more
More articles
Website Notifications
Get notifications in real-time for staying up to date with content that matters to you.
