Strength after 60: frailty is not inevitable

What frailty is

World Physiotherapy describes frailty as a long-term condition that can get better or worse, not an inevitable part of ageing. Signs include exhaustion, weakness, slow movement, balance problems and losing weight without trying.

About 12% of people over 50 worldwide are diagnosed with frailty and about 46% are pre-frail. The WHO lists frailty and falls among the main health problems of older age.

Muscle is lost, but it can be rebuilt

Over the years we lose muscle mass and strength. This is called sarcopenia and it affects balance and independence. World Physiotherapy stresses that older adults respond to strength training much like younger people: stronger muscles mean better balance and fewer falls.

More active people are up to 41% less likely to develop frailty.

What the WHO recommends

In its ICOPE programme for the care of older people, the WHO recommends mixed exercise, with progressive strength training plus balance, flexibility and aerobic work, for people whose physical ability is declining and for people at risk of falls.

How a physiotherapist helps

A physiotherapist checks your strength, balance and walking and builds a programme that slowly increases resistance and intensity. It can start simply, with standing up from a chair and resistance bands, and move on to weights.

If you have a heart condition or another long-term illness, talk to your doctor first. Most people can exercise safely with the right programme.