How can we screen frailty to prevent falls in older adults?

The Labarge Centre for Mobility in Aging provided matching funding for this Canadian Frailty Network Interdisciplinary Fellowship

Every year in Canada, 20 to 30 percent of adults over age 65 will fall. Among this age group, falls are the most common cause of injury and often result in hospitalizations. Frail, older adults often have more falls than adults without frailty; but falls can be prevented. Currently, there are several tests to assess both frailty and falls risk; however, which tests are easiest for adults to complete and which give us the most accurate information is unclear. In addition, it is unclear whether screening for frailty might assist in identifying adults at risk for falls. This study will evaluate two tests of frailty to determine if one is superior and determine whether these frailty tests correlate with tests of falls risk to accurately identify at-risk adults. Results will inform current practice on how to assess frailty and falls risk.