Korean J Geriatr Gerontol.  2015 Dec;16(2):44-49. 10.15656/kjcg.2015.16.2.44.

Social Frailty

• Kim D
• Arai H

• KMID: 2566512
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.15656/kjcg.2015.16.2.44

Abstract

Frailty is divided into physical frailty represented by sarcopenia, and cognitive frailty represented by cognitive impairment, social frailty represented by social relationships and activities. There was a number of studies have reported associations between social factors and health outcome. To understand the comprehensive frailty concept, social frailty factors in geriatric assessment and frailty scales were reviewed. An integral conceptual model of frailty (Gobbens RJ. et al, 2010) and social factor in determining frailty model (Gutierrez R., 2011) show that bo-psycho-social factors are interact together to results in adverse irreversible health outcome. Considering social factors and understanding social frailty concept in geriatric practice can help to better assessment and intervention for frailty in elderly. Social factors in comprehensive geriatric assessment has 7 components including 1) social skill, 2) relationships, activities, resources, 3) social support, 4) Subjective well-being, 5) Caregiver’s burden, 6) Personal autonomy, preferences, values, 7) emerging areas. Among eight frailty scales 4 (Fried, Index for prediction of falls and fractures, FRAIL, Korean Frailty Scale) have no social assessment items, and 4 (Edmonton, Groningen, Tilburg, Kihon Checklist) have social item(s).

Keyword

Frailty; Social factors; Social frailty