Social factors predicting improvement of frailty in community‐dwelling older adults: Korean Frailty and Aging Cohort Study

Aim The study aimed to identify social factors predicting improvement of frailty in community‐dwelling older adults after 2 years using a population‐based cohort study. Methods We analyzed data from the 2016 and 2018 Korean Frailty and Aging Cohort Study. The participants of this study were 1428 community‐dwelling older adults aged 70–84 years who were recruited from 10 medical centers across different regions. Frailty was measured using the five‐item FRAIL scale, which evaluates fatigue, resistance, ambulation, illness and weight loss. Multilevel logistic regression analysis was used to examine baseline social factors that predict frailty improvement after 2 years by frailty status. Results In frail older adults, higher participation in social activities (odds ratio [OR] 1.17, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02–1.34) was significantly associated with frailty improvement. In pre‐frail older adults, there were no significant social factors predicting the improvement of frailty status; however, other modifiable factors such as high and moderate levels of physical activity (OR 1.17, 95% CI 1.07–1.28, OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.03–1.25, respectively) and low depressive symptoms (OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.84–0.91) were associated with pre‐frail improvements. High levels of physical activity (OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.02–1.33) were also associated with improvements of frailty. Conclusions Different strategies depending on the level of frailty are necessary to improve frailty status. Timely and appropriate interventions can promote frailty improvement and prevent negative health outcomes in community‐dwelling older adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2021; 21: 465–471.