Sarah Dury|Eva Dierckx|Anne van der Vorst|Michaël Van der Elst|Bram Fret|Daan Duppen|Lieve Hoeyberghs|Ellen De Roeck|Deborah Lambotte|An Sofie Smetcoren|Jos M. G. A. Schols|Gertrudis I. J. M. Kempen|G A Rixt Zijlstra|Jan De Lepeleire|Birgitte Schoenmakers|Dominique Verté|Nico De Witte|Tinie Kardol|Peter Paul De Deyn|Sebastiaan Engelborghs|Liesbeth De Donder
Detecting frail, older adults and identifying their strengths: results of a mixed-methods study
Vrije Universiteit Brussel|Vrije Universiteit Brussel|Maastricht University|KU Leuven|Vrije Universiteit Brussel|Vrije Universiteit Brussel|University College Ghent|Vrije Universiteit Brussel|Vrije Universiteit Brussel|Vrije Universiteit Brussel|Maastricht University|Maastricht University|Maastricht University|KU Leuven|KU Leuven|Vrije Universiteit Brussel|University College Ghent|Vrije Universiteit Brussel|University of Antwerp|University of Antwerp|Vrije Universiteit Brussel
debate frailty later life focuses primarily deficits associations adverse health outcomes addition deficits may also important consider abilities resources older adults study designed gain insights lived experiences frailty among older adults determine strengths balance deficits affect frailtydata 121 potentially frail communitydwelling older adults flemishspeaking region belgium brussels collected using mixedmethods approach quantitative data collected using comprehensive frailty assessment instrument cfai montreal cognitive assessment moca numeric rating scales nrs quality life qol care support meaning life mastery bivariate analyses paired samples ttests means performed qualitative data experiences frailty frailty balance qol care support meaning life mastery collected using semistructured interviews interviews subjected thematic content analysisthe mild frailty group higher qol care support meaning life mastery scores severe frailty group nevertheless qualitative results indicate despite classified frail many older adults experienced high levels qol care support meaning life mastery respondents mentioned multiple balancing factors frailty comprising individuallevel circumstances eg personality traits coping strategies resilience environmental influences eg caregivers neighborhood social participation macrolevel features eg health literacy adequate financial compensation respondents also highlighted life changes affected frailty balance including changes health finances personal relationships living situationthe findings indicate frailty among older individuals considered dynamic state regardless frailty balancing factors important maintaining good qol study investigated deficits also abilities resources frail older adults public policymakers healthcare organizations encouraged include abilities supplementary even complementary usual focus deficits