The increasing number of frail older people poses major challenges, such as pressure on the health care system, and a shortage of care and support for individuals. In this research, the shift from care and frailty to well-prepared aging, was investigated from a public health perspective.
We developed the FI-HM37, an index that provides insight in frailty among Dutch older people. Based on this index, we found that frailty increases the use of social services, district nursing and medication, and gives an increased chance of mortality.
Subsequently, older people were interviewed, during this thesis of Nanda Kleinenberg-Talsma regarding their perspectives on frailty. Older people distinguish physical, social, psychological and cognitive frailty. In preventing frailty and coping with frailty, older people mainly emphasize psychological and social aspects, such as autonomy and participation. Especially when facing physical decline, this is regarded important.
Preparing for later life seems complex. Some take active preparations, like remaining active or eating healthy, while a large group does not take action for various reasons. People lack information about which preparations to take and how to do this.
The transition from care and frailty to well-prepared aging requires an integral public health approach, in which prevention for all (future) older adults is central. Municipalities and welfare organizations can implement preventive interventions to facilitate aging well. An example is the Community Health Services Groningen campaign ‘We are our own medicine’, aimed at vitality and a healthy brain. Furthermore, accessible information points in neighborhoods and villages, can support (future) older adults in late-life preparedness.
