Strawbridge W J, Shema S J, Balfour J L, Higby H R, Kaplan G A
Human Population Laboratory, Public Health Institute, Berkeley, California, USA.
J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci. 1998 Jan;53(1):S9-16. doi: 10.1093/geronb/53b.1.s9.
Studies of disability in old age have focused on gross measures of physical functioning. More useful results for prevention might be gleaned from examining risk factors associated with frailty, a concept implying a broader range of more subtle problems in multiple domains. This study conceptualized frailty as involving problems or difficulties in two or more functional domains (physical, nutritive, cognitive, and sensory) and analyzed prospective predictors. Subjects were 574 Alameda County Study respondents age 65-102. One-fourth scored as frail; there was no gender difference. Frail persons reported reduced activities, poorer mental health, and lower life satisfaction. Cumulative predictors over the previous three decades included heavy drinking, cigarette smoking, physical inactivity, depression, social isolation, fair or poor perceived health, prevalence of chronic symptoms, and prevalence of chronic conditions. By modifying these risk factors, it may be possible to postpone the onset of frailty or ameliorate its further development.
老年残疾研究主要关注身体功能的总体指标。通过研究与衰弱相关的风险因素，可能会获得对预防更有用的结果，衰弱这一概念意味着在多个领域存在更广泛、更细微的问题。本研究将衰弱概念化为涉及两个或更多功能领域（身体、营养、认知和感官）的问题或困难，并分析了前瞻性预测因素。研究对象为阿拉米达县研究中574名年龄在65至102岁之间的受访者。四分之一的人被评为衰弱；不存在性别差异。衰弱者报告活动减少、心理健康较差且生活满意度较低。过去三十年的累积预测因素包括大量饮酒、吸烟、缺乏身体活动、抑郁、社会孤立、自我感觉健康状况一般或较差、慢性症状的患病率以及慢性病的患病率。通过改变这些风险因素，有可能推迟衰弱的发生或改善其进一步发展。
