Becoming frail: A more than human exploration

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Sociology of Health and Illness
• Qualitative Research Methods

Background:

• Frailty is clinically defined using quantitative measures of physical capacity.
• Qualitative research indicates social, economic, and environmental factors also contribute to frailty.
• Existing understandings often overlook the complex interplay of factors influencing frailty.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize qualitative studies on frailty and aging from a new materialist perspective.
• To propose a relational understanding of frailty as a 'frailty assemblage'.
• To explore how materialities influence the 'becoming' of a frail body.

Main Methods:

• Systematic synthesis of recent qualitative research on frailty and aging.
• Application of new materialist theoretical frameworks.
• Analysis of daily activities and interactions of older people.

Main Results:

• Frailty is conceptualized not as a static attribute but as a dynamic 'frailty assemblage'.
• Material factors and daily interactions are integral to the ongoing 'becoming' of frailty.
• Clinical frailty is one manifestation within a complex web of influences.

Conclusions:

• A relational, more-than-human perspective is essential for understanding frailty.
• Acknowledging the complexity of 'becomings' is crucial for supporting frail older people.
• Interventions should consider the multifaceted nature of frailty beyond physical capacity.