CME article: Risk factors for frailty in the older adult

Geriatricians and other physicians caring for older adults recognize frailty in older patients. Increasing evidence shows that such frailty is a geriatric syndrome characterized by a clinical presentation of a critical mass of identifiable components, thus syndromic, with progressive decline, increased vulnerability to stressors, and increased risk for adverse health outcomes. As the U.S. population of those over age 65 continues to grow, recognition of frail older adults is important so that targeted intervention and prevention, medical care, and/or palliation, as appropriate, can be implemented. This CME article focuses on specific factors that may put older adults at risk for the development of frailty. By understanding and targeting key risk factors for amelioration, it may be possible for clinicians to improve the overall health of older patients.