How long will approximately one-third of older individuals be frail before passing away?

One-third of older individuals may experience frailty for at least a year before passing away due to the gradual decline in physical health and resilience associated with aging. Frailty in older adults often manifests as a combination of weakness, weight loss, exhaustion, and decreased activity levels, which can lead to increased vulnerability to illness and disability. This prolonged period of frailty is significant, as it reflects the chronic nature of many age-related health conditions and the body's decreased ability to recover from stressors or illnesses.

Factors contributing to this extended timeframe include the presence of multiple comorbidities, the progressive nature of many degenerative diseases, social factors like isolation, and access to healthcare. Recognizing that frailty is not merely a short-term condition but rather a marker of the overall aging process allows caregivers and health professionals to better support individuals during this critical phase of life.