The Paulson-Lichtenberg Frailty Index: Evidence For A Self-Report Measure Of Frailty

Keywords

aging; decline; health outcomes; measurement

Abstract

Objectives: This study evaluates the Paulson-Lichtenberg Frailty Index (PLFI), a self-report measure that is based on Fried's well-established frailty phenotype. The PLFI is examined using longitudinal data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) database, for which it was developed.Methods: The sample was drawn from the HRS and included 8844 community-dwelling older adults. Frailty was measured using the PLFI's five-item frailty index (wasting, weakness, slowness, falls, and fatigue).Results: In comparison to intermediate-frail or non-frail respondents, frail respondents were found to be older, more medically compromised, and less independent for activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). On average, frail respondents reported worse self-rated health and had fewer years of education. Women, ethnic minorities, and those who were not partnered were also more likely to be frail. Over subsequent years, frail respondents were more likely to be hospitalized, report more loss of independence, and experience higher mortality rates.Conclusions: The PLFI is a valid tool for assessing frailty in the HRS data set.

Publication Date

10-3-2015

Publication Title

Aging and Mental Health

Volume

19

Issue

10

Number of Pages

892-901

Document Type

Article

Personal Identifier

scopus

DOI Link

https://doi.org/10.1080/13607863.2014.986645

Socpus ID

84937022904 (Scopus)

Source API URL

https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/84937022904

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