What does frailty mean?

Frailty can refer to several related but distinct concepts.

1. In general, frailty refers to a state of increased vulnerability to external stress or adversity. This can be due to a variety of factors, including:

- Physical frailty: This refers to a decline in physical strength, endurance, and mobility. It can be caused by aging, chronic illness, or other factors.

- Mental frailty: This refers to a decline in mental abilities, such as memory, attention, and problem-solving. It can be caused by aging, dementia, or other factors.

- Social frailty: This refers to a lack of social support or resources. It can be caused by poverty, isolation, or other factors.

2. In medicine, frailty is often used to describe a condition that affects older adults. It is characterized by:

- Unintentional weight loss

- Weakness

- Slowness

- Exhaustion

- Low physical activity

Frailty is associated with an increased risk of falls, hospitalization, and death.

3. In ecology, frailty refers to the susceptibility of an ecosystem to damage from environmental stressors, such as pollution, climate change, or invasive species.

Ultimately, frailty is a complex concept that can have different meanings depending on the context in which it is used.