Aging Vibrantly: Tackling Physical Frailty in the Elderly Population with a Focus on India's Health Challenges

Population ageing is a rapidly growing global phenomenon with profound implications for healthcare systems, particularly in low- and middle-income countries such as India. By 2050, the global population aged 60 years and above is expected to reach 2.1 billion, with India alone projected to have more than 300 million older adults. Physical frailty is a major public health concern among older adults, affecting approximately 10.7% globally, with a higher burden observed in India due to socioeconomic disparities, limited healthcare access, and prevailing cultural attitudes towards ageing. This study examines physical frailty among older adults with a focus on early identification, frailty assessment methods, nutritional interventions, and the role of physical activity. It also evaluates the National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE) in India, highlighting its scope, achievements, and existing gaps in addressing frailty. The findings underscore the importance of early detection and comprehensive frailty assessments, along with personalised interventions incorporating nutrition and exercise. Strengthening community-based programmes and enhancing capacity-building among healthcare professionals emerged as critical strategies for improving geriatric care. Addressing frailty in India's ageing population requires integrated, multidisciplinary approaches that prioritise personalised and community-oriented care, enabling older adults to maintain independence and improve their quality of life.