Frailty among seniors set to rise sharply as population ages

TTSH working with community partners on programmes to curb, delay frailty and falls

- Judith Tan Correspondent

Frailty among older people within the community is expected to grow markedly from 5 to 6 per cent now to 27 per cent in 2030 as Singapore's population ages.

While the sharp increase in cases, based on a 2019 study by Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH), may seem alarming, it does not spell the end for the feeble elderly.

In fact, frailty can be reversed and that is good news for both doctors and seniors.

Dr Jerome Goh, clinical director of the division for central health at TTSH, said: "What worries us is that 10 per cent of those above 65 years have mild to moderate frailty, while 5 per cent have severe frailty.

"That is why we have to do something about it before the costs of their medical care soar." Frailty is a medical condition of reduced function and health in older individuals.

Factors such as inactivity, poor nutrition, social isolation and multiple medications can contribute to frailty.