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Characterizing the Heterogeneity of Aging: A Vision for a Staging System for Aging
Efraim Jaul1,2, Jeremy Barron3,4
1Geriatric Skilled Nursing Department, Herzog Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel.
Frontiers in Public Health
|October 29, 2021
Summary
Primary care providers can better manage older adults by stratifying them based on chronological age and functional status. This approach improves clinical care, reduces overuse, and enhances personalized guidance for diverse aging populations.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Older adulthood is characterized by significant heterogeneity and change.
- Primary care requires a comprehensive geriatric vision to effectively manage diverse older adult subpopulations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a framework for stratifying older adults into distinct subpopulations.
- To provide clinical considerations and guidance for each identified stratum.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of PubMed and Google searches on aging, disease, and functional status.
- Stratification of older adults by chronological age and functional status (frailty).
Main Results:
- Defined 4 chronological-age strata starting at age 60.
- Defined 4 functional-age strata based on a modified clinical frailty scale.
- Provided clinical considerations and anticipatory guidance for each stratum.
Conclusions:
- Chronological age, functional status, disease burden, and life expectancy are crucial for geriatric care.
- Differentiating older adult subpopulations can improve clinical care, reduce medical overuse, and enhance personalized guidance.
- Focusing on functional status impacts quality of life for older adults.
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