Frailty criteria include which of the following?

Frailty criteria include which of the following?

• A. Slowness
• B. High body mass index
• C. Short-term memory loss
• D. Rapid gait speed

Answer: (A)

Frailty is identified by a specific set of measurable physical traits that reflect reduced physiologic reserve. One of these traits is slow gait speed, or slowness, which signals diminished mobility and endurance. In the Fried frailty phenotype, the five criteria are unintentional weight loss, exhaustion, weakness (low grip strength), slow walking speed, and low physical activity. If an older adult meets three or more, they’re considered frail. Among the options, slow gait speed fits this framework as a clear sign of frailty. High body mass index is not part of the frailty criteria, and short-term memory loss is not a standard component of this physical frailty definition, though cognitive changes can exist. Rapid gait speed would indicate better function, not frailty.

Frailty is identified by a specific set of measurable physical traits that reflect reduced physiologic reserve. One of these traits is slow gait speed, or slowness, which signals diminished mobility and endurance. In the Fried frailty phenotype, the five criteria are unintentional weight loss, exhaustion, weakness (low grip strength), slow walking speed, and low physical activity. If an older adult meets three or more, they’re considered frail. Among the options, slow gait speed fits this framework as a clear sign of frailty. High body mass index is not part of the frailty criteria, and short-term memory loss is not a standard component of this physical frailty definition, though cognitive changes can exist. Rapid gait speed would indicate better function, not frailty.