Frailty is a syndrome of decreased reserve across multiple physiologic systems that is associated with greater risk for hospitalizations, disability, institutionalization, and other adverse outcomes, including mortality. Patients with frailty, most of whom are older adults, may be more likely to experience adverse outcomes due to iatrogenic causes, such as higher-risk medications or procedures. Guidelines recommend frailty screening for both chronic disease management and in-hospital care, as identification of frailty allows for risk mitigation and alignment of care with patients' goals. In addition, some interventions may delay or reverse frailty, thus increasing physiologic reserve and improving day-to-day function. This article reviews frailty definitions, approaches to assessment in different care settings, and management.
Orkaby et al. (2026) studied this question. Frailty screening identifies older adults at higher risk for adverse outcomes, allowing targeted interventions to delay or reverse frailty and improve function.