Are you frail?

Did you know that in the year 2000, 20 percent of Erie County's population was at least 60 years old? Today, this age group makes up 30 percent of Erie County's populations. That's 22,100 residents. Furthermore, today, 6,730 county residents are at least 75 years old. Frailty is the biggest "robber" of functional independence in later life. Too many people, including health care professionals, have a misunderstanding about frailty. Frailty is mistakenly seen as part of "normal" aging, however, frailty is not normal. There is something causing it, and the cause often goes untreated or undertreated. John Hopkins Medicine posted an interesting article about aging and frailty, titled "Stay Strong: Four Ways to Beat the Frailty Risk." In it, the author pointed out, "An estimated 7 (percent) to 12 percent of Americans age 65-plus are considered frail. Frailty rises with age: from one in 25 between ages 65 to 74 to one in four for those older than 84." What can I do? The good news is there is something you can do about frailty — so long as you catch it early enough. To recognize frailty, John Hopkins developed the following criteria. See if it applies to you: • Have you lost 10 or more pounds in the past year without trying? • Do you have trouble standing without assistance or have reduced grip strength? • Does everything you do feel like a big effort? Or do you feel like you just can't "get going" three or more days per week? • Do you have a low level of activity: formal exercise, household chores, things you do for fun? • Are you walking slowly? (If it takes you more than seven seconds to walk 15 feet, you are walking slowly.) If you answered "yes" to three or more, you may be frail. The good news is there are medical specialists whose area of expertise is treating frailty in older patients. The other piece of good news is that there are several studies that suggest frailty can be caused by taking medications, categorized as "Potentially Inappropriate Medication" (PIMs) for older adults. This means frailty can be easy to treat if properly diagnosed by experts in geriatrics. Getting treatment For frailty to be effectively treated, it does require the patient to actively participate in their own health care. This means it's up to the patient to bring the symptoms of frailty to their doctor/nurse practitioner's attention. As the patient, make them aware that you know this is not normal aging. Tell your doctor/nurse practitioner that you wish to pursue treatment for the symptoms of frailty, and you want your doctor/nurse practitioner working, collaboratively, with the geriatrician who specializes in treating this condition. One last thing: Treating frailty in later life also requires the patient to change bad lifestyle habits that contribute to frailty and replace them with good lifestyle habits. It's not easy, but it's worth the trade-off. If you would like information on how to find consultative geriatricians, call Serving Our Seniors (419-624-1856) for more information. Ask for a senior advocate assistant. Q&A Q: I'm 78 years old, and I'm afraid of falling while I stand in the tub for my shower. It's also more difficult for me to get off the toilet, too. Is there anything to help me with this? A: Serving Our Seniors can give you a "transfer bench" and a handheld showerhead. The transfer bench lets you sit down then raise your legs over the side of the tub and remain seated. Using the handheld showerhead, you can shower while seated. We also have a raised toilet seat. These items are free to Erie County residents age 60+, compliments of the Erie County Health Department. Call Serving Our Seniors (419-624-1856) and ask to speak with a senior advocate assistant. By the way, leg weakness and fear of falling is a sign of frailty. It can be treated if properly diagnosed. Call Serving Our Seniors (419-624-1856) if you would like help finding a consultative geriatrician to treat this condition. Ask to speak with a senior advocate assistant.