Palliation for the frail older adult and what meaningful longevity could be

Although frailty can be accompanied by increased health-related suffering, fully integrated generalist and specialist palliative care are often forgotten necessities for frail older people with physical and cognitive decline. Take Anne (pseudonym) for instance: a 96-year-old widow with lumbar disc degeneration and worsening dementia, now wheelchair bound and needing assistance for all activities of daily living. The loss of independent mobility—which Anne deeply valued—has caused depression. Anne's primary team does not recommend physical therapy because she has shared concerns about travelling to health appointments.