Frailty
Short definition
Frailty is a geriatric syndrome of increased vulnerability, resulting from reduced physiological reserves, which makes a person more susceptible to falls, hospitalisation, dependency and death when faced with minor stressors.
In plain language
A widely used model is the Fried phenotype, which considers five criteria: unintentional weight loss, exhaustion, weakness, slow walking speed and low physical activity. It is not the same as ageing or disability, and it can be prevented or lessened, for example with exercise and good nutrition.