Bioimpedance-Estimated Metabolic Age in a Falls Clinic: Associations with Multimorbidity and Physical Frailty

Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is a non-invasive method used to assess body composition and estimate metabolic age (MA). However, the clinical significance of BIA-estimated MA remains poorly understood. We explored the associations of MA with chronological age (CA), multimorbidity, and physical frailty (PF) in falls clinic attendees. Participants aged ≥50 years were assessed for multimorbidity using the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale-Geriatric, PF using the SHARE Frailty Instrument for Primary Care, and underwent BIA. Among 107 participants (mean age 69.8 years, 57% women), MA showed a moderate correlation with CA (r=0.62, p<0.001). On bivariate analysis, participants with MA>CA were younger, had higher multimorbidity, and were frailer compared to those with MA