Factors associated with social frailty in older adults in Colombia

Social frailty (SF) has gained increasing attention in recent years. While several studies have examined SF among older adults living in the community, most have been conducted in specific countries, primarily in Asia, with limited research in Latin America. The main objective of this study was to identify the relationship between SF and demographic, health, and functional conditions among older adults in Colombia.

This study is a secondary analysis of the SABE Colombia study. Social frailty (SF) was assessed using the adapted HALFE Social Frailty Index. The main independent variables included demographic factors and health status indicators such as self-rated health, chronic conditions, depression, ADL/IADL dependence, mobility disability, and life-space assessment. Bivariate analysis and logistic regression in multivariate models were applied.

The overall prevalence of SF was 66.3%, increasing with advancing age. Compared to individuals without SF, those with SF were more likely to have a low level of education (<6 years), mobility disability, dependence on IADLs, restricted life space (<55.5), be female, and report poor or very poor self-rated health. In multivariate logistic regression analyses, SF was associated with higher odds of years of education (<6), dependence for IADL, restricted life-space, being female, mobility disability, and bad and very bad self-rated health. In contrast, depressive symptoms, rural areas, and marital status lose significance.

SF is prevalent among Colombian elderly individuals, affecting nearly seven in ten community-dwelling older adults. It is also significantly associated with demographic, health, and functional conditions. Additionally, social issues such as economic status, social isolation, loneliness, and social participation are increasingly prominent among older adults. Thus, SF resulting from social issues requires greater attention, particularly in non-developed countries. Consequently, to promote healthy aging, it is imperative to implement measures aimed at preventing and mitigating SF among older adults in light of these findings.