During what time frame is someone more likely to experience frailty as they age?

The likelihood of experiencing frailty increases during the period leading up to death, reflecting a significant decline in an individual's overall health and functioning. Research indicates that frailty often develops over time, rather than appearing suddenly or exclusively in the final moments of life.

Typically, frailty can begin to manifest at least a year before death, as it encompasses gradual declines in physical and cognitive abilities, leading to increased vulnerability to stressors. This period is characterized by reduced strength, endurance, and physiological function, making older adults more susceptible to adverse health outcomes.

In contrast, the other options suggest either a very brief time frame, a lack of association with aging, or too late in the life cycle for frailty to be relevant. However, frailty is indeed a common syndrome among older adults, particularly as they experience numerous age-related changes. Thus, the correct answer highlights the reality that frailty can be a protracted process rather than an immediate concern only at the end of life.