Frailty in older adults in Northern Ireland: frailty in older adults in Northern Ireland

Of the conditions which affect older adults, the frailty syndrome has been highlighted as a key concern, as it is characterised by an increased likelihood of negative outcomes. Despite preliminary evidence of a high prevalence of frailty in Northern Ireland, there is a lack of research focusing on this population.<br><br>Aim: <br>To provide an in-depth answer to the question ‘’How does frailty affect the 50 years and older population of Northern Ireland?’’ Focusing in particular on the prevalence, associated characteristics, and mortality risk of frail older adults as well as conducting a parallel exploration into frailty measurement. <br><br>Methods:<br>This thesis centered on secondary analysis of Wave 1 of the Northern Ireland Cohort for the Longitudinal Study of Ageing (or NICOLA study), which provides a sample of 8,500 individuals who are representative of the Northern Ireland population aged over 50.

An accumulation deficits frailty index containing 30 items was used, alongside two objective indicators (grip strength and timed up and go) to assess the differences between objective and subjective frailty measures. In Chapter 4, the NICOLA sample was linked with mortality data to allow for longitudinal analysis of the relationship between frailty status and mortality risk. Wave 1 of the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA), was also used in Chapter 5 to provide context and comparisons for the NICOLA findings and a combined all-Ireland perspective on frailty.<br><br>Results:<br>Older adults in Northern Ireland were found to have a high prevalence of frailty, with 29.0% identified as frail using the 30-item frailty index.