FRAILTY SYNDROME IN OLDER ADULTS: PATHOPHYSIOLOGY, CONSEQUENCES, AND STRATEGIES FOR PREVENTION AND TREATMENT

Sylwia Wielgosz-Biała; Anna Kasprzak; Monika Kułaga; Monika Grzybek; Diana Mazur-Lesińska; Barbara Szostak; Krzysztof Tyszkiewicz; Borys Łozowski; Małgorzata Kasprzak; Barbara Wilczyńska

doi:10.31435/ijitss.1(49).2026.4992

Authors

Sylwia Wielgosz-Biała Stefan Cardinal Wyszyński Provincial Specialist Hospital SPZOZ in Lublin, Lublin, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0003-0567-5998
Anna Kasprzak Stefan Cardinal Wyszyński Provincial Specialist Hospital SPZOZ in Lublin, Lublin, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0002-1491-245X
Monika Kułaga Stefan Cardinal Wyszyński Provincial Specialist Hospital SPZOZ in Lublin, Lublin, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0001-3949-2124
Monika Grzybek Stefan Cardinal Wyszyński Provincial Specialist Hospital SPZOZ in Lublin, Lublin, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0003-2246-800X
Diana Mazur-Lesińska Stefan Cardinal Wyszyński Provincial Specialist Hospital SPZOZ in Lublin, Lublin, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0000-2489-9100
Barbara Szostak Stefan Cardinal Wyszyński Provincial Specialist Hospital SPZOZ in Lublin, Lublin, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0000-8035-7584
Krzysztof Tyszkiewicz Stefan Cardinal Wyszyński Provincial Specialist Hospital SPZOZ in Lublin, Lublin, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0005-0208-2286
Borys Łozowski University Clinical Hospital No 4 in Lublin, Lublin, Poland https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1990-040X
Małgorzata Kasprzak Stefan Cardinal Wyszyński Provincial Specialist Hospital SPZOZ in Lublin, Lublin, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0007-3791-1632
Barbara Wilczyńska University Children's Hospital in Lublin, Lublin, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0001-4939-7550

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31435/ijitss.1(49).2026.4992

Keywords:

Frailty Syndrome, Aging, Older Adults, Pathophysiology Of Frailty, Chronic Diseases, Mobility Disorders, Cognitive Impairment, Dementia

Abstract

Introduction: Frailty syndrome is a common geriatric condition characterized by decreased physiological reserves and increased vulnerability to stressors, leading to adverse health outcomes such as disability, hospitalization, and mortality. With the rapid aging of the global population, frailty has become a major public health challenge requiring early identification and effective preventive strategies.

Objective: The aim of this article is to summarize current evidence on the pathophysiology, clinical consequences, prevention, and management of frailty syndrome in older adults, with particular emphasis on physical activity, nutritional interventions, and multidisciplinary care.

Methods: A narrative review of the literature was conducted using peer-reviewed articles, systematic reviews, clinical guidelines, and international recommendations, including those from the World Health Organization. Studies addressing frailty assessment tools, risk factors, preventive strategies, and therapeutic interventions in community-dwelling and institutionalized older adults were analyzed.

Results: Frailty syndrome is associated with an increased risk of falls, functional decline, chronic disease progression, cognitive impairment, and mortality. Evidence indicates that regular physical activity, especially resistance and balance training, significantly reduces frailty progression and improves functional capacity. Adequate nutritional intake, particularly sufficient protein, energy, and micronutrients, plays a crucial role in preventing sarcopenia and malnutrition-related frailty. Screening tools such as the Fried phenotype, Mini Nutritional Assessment, and Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool enable early identification of at-risk individuals and facilitate timely interventions.

Conclusions: Frailty syndrome is a potentially reversible condition when identified early and managed using a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach. Integrating physical activity, individualized nutritional strategies, and holistic geriatric care is essential for improving quality of life, maintaining independence, and reducing adverse outcomes in older adults.

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