Trajectories of Frailty and Related Factors of the Older People in Taiwan

Background/Study Context: This study aimed to identify the different trajectories of frailty and factors related to frailty among older adults over time. Methods: Data were obtained from a five-wave panel composed of older Taiwanese adults from 1993 to 2007 (N = 2306). Frailty was defined as the presence of three or more of the following criteria: shrinking, weakness, exhaustion, slowness, and low physical activity. A group-based model of trajectory analysis was applied with time-dependent and time-independent variables. Results: Three trajectory groups were identified: maintaining nonfrailty, developing frailty, and high risk of frailty. Being female, older, and having a lower level of education were risk factors for being in the developing frailty group or high risk of frailty group. Physical risk factors and psychological factors were associated with frailty within each group. Higher financial satisfaction and social participation were protective factors from frailty for the developing frailty group and high risk of frailty group, respectively. Conclusion: Older adults should promote their health physically, psychologically, and socially.