‘Thinking you're old and frail’: a qualitative study of frailty in older adults

What is it about?

Many older adults experience what is clinically recognised as frailty but little is known about the perceptions of, and attitudes regarding, being frail. This study explored adults' perceptions of frailty and their beliefs concerning its progression and consequences. Twenty-nine older people aged 66–98 with varying degrees of frailty, were interviewed. Self-identifying as ‘frail’ was perceived to be strongly related to levels of health and engagement in social and physical activity. Being labelled by others as ‘old and frail’ contributed to seeing one's self as frail and a loss of interest in participating in social and physical activities, poor physical health and increased stigmatisation. Different strategies were used to resist thinking of one's self as frail.

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Why is it important?

The study provides insights into older adults' perceptions and attitudes about frailty, including the development of a frailty identity and its relationship with activity levels and health.