The Paulson-Lichtenberg Frailty Index: evidence for a self-report measure of frailty.

TitleThe Paulson-Lichtenberg Frailty Index: evidence for a self-report measure of frailty.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2015
AuthorsPaulson, D, Lichtenberg, PA
JournalAging Ment Health
Volume19
Issue10
Pagination892-901
Date Published2015
ISSN Number1364-6915
KeywordsActivities of Daily Living, Aged, Aged, 80 and over, Aging, Fatigue, Female, Frail Elderly, Geriatric Assessment, Health Status, Health Surveys, Humans, Longitudinal Studies, Male, Self Report, Socioeconomic factors, Walking
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.

Notes

Export Date: 20 January 2015 Article in Press

DOI10.1080/13607863.2014.986645
User Guide Notes

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25537004?dopt=Abstract

Endnote Keywords

aging/decline/health outcomes/measurement/ADL and IADL Impairments

Endnote ID

999999

Alternate JournalAging Ment Health
Citation Key8257
PubMed ID25537004
PubMed Central IDPMC4480217
Grant ListT32 AG000275 / AG / NIA NIH HHS / United States
T-32 AG00275-06 / AG / NIA NIH HHS / United States