Factors Influencing Change in Frailty Status in Retirement Village Residents

Area of Science:

• Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine
• Public Health and Epidemiology
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Retirement villages (RVs) are considered age-friendly environments with integrated health and social support.
• The impact of RV living on the progression of frailty in older adults remains an area for investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between residing in RVs and changes in frailty status over time.
• To identify individual and RV-level factors associated with worsening frailty or death among RV residents.

Main Methods:

• A longitudinal cohort study involving 578 residents across 33 RVs.
• Frailty Index calculated using Resident International Resident Assessment Instrument (interRAI) data at baseline and after 2.5 years.
• Multivariable logistic regression used to analyze factors associated with frailty progression or mortality.

Main Results:

• Over a mean of 2.5 years, 31.6% of residents experienced worsening frailty, while 4.4% improved, and 55.0% remained stable.
• Factors associated with increased odds of worsening frailty or death included advanced age (>90 years), poor quality of life, and reduced social activity participation.
• Ownership of RVs by not-for-profit organizations and infrequent dental visits showed associations with higher odds of adverse outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Individual characteristics and RV-level factors, including some modifiable ones, are linked to frailty worsening or death in older adults living in RVs.
• Further research is needed on RV ownership models and their influence on frailty.
• Understanding environmental influences is crucial for developing frailty prevention strategies and creating supportive communities.