Frailty is a term that is often misunderstood. While it is linked to the ageing process, frailty is not an inevitable part of getting older and does not mean someone is incapable of living a full and independent life.
NHS Fife's Frailty webpage provides information and signposting for people living with frailty, as well as their families, friends and carers.
What is frailty?
Frailty relates to a person's mental and physical resilience – their ability to cope with and recover from illness, injury and other changes in their health.
Someone living with frailty may take longer to recover from problems that might otherwise seem relatively minor. Issues such as an infection or constipation, for example, can have a significant impact on their overall health and wellbeing.
Frailty can involve reduced muscle strength and fatigue, but everyone experiences it differently. It is also not the same as living with multiple long-term health conditions, although there can be some overlap.
Around 10% of people aged over 65 live with frailty, rising to between 25% and 50% of those aged over 85.
Find information and support
Understanding frailty can help people recognise when additional support may be needed and take steps to maintain their health, wellbeing and independence.
The NHS Fife Frailty webpage brings together information, advice and resources for people living with frailty and those close to them.
Visit the NHS Fife Frailty webpage to find out more and explore the available support.
