[Frailty, a perspective along the time.]

Area of Science:

• Gerontology and Public Health
• Epidemiology of Aging Populations

Background:

• 20th-century demographic shifts altered population structures and epidemiological profiles.
• Healthcare focus evolved from delaying death to preventing disability and improving quality of life.
• Frailty, a relatively new nosological entity, has gained significant clinical and research attention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a historical review of the conceptualization and definition of frailty.
• To examine the challenges in frailty detection and diagnosis.
• To outline strategies for frailty management, prevention, and healthcare system adaptation.

Main Methods:

• Historical analysis of frailty's conceptual evolution.
• Review of diagnostic challenges and management approaches.
• Examination of national and supranational organizational efforts.

Main Results:

• Frailty's conceptual frameworks have been defined and delimited over time.
• Detection and diagnosis of frailty present significant challenges.
• Management strategies encompass prevention, individual treatment, and health system adjustments.

Conclusions:

• Frailty is a critical factor influencing quality of life and healthcare demands.
• Addressing frailty requires integrated health and social system adaptations.
• Ongoing research and care efforts are essential to meet the challenges posed by frailty.