Implications of self-reported fragility on the quality of life of older adults: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the association between self-reported fragility and quality of life in older adults. Method: Cross-sectional study carried out with Brazilian older adults between July and October 2020. Three instruments were applied to obtain bio sociodemographic, frailty data and quality of life. Data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test, Pearson correlation and multivariate linear regression, adopting a 95% confidence interval (p < 0.05). Results: A total of 662 older adults participated. All facets of quality of life were significantly and negatively correlated with reduced strength, reduced walking speed, low physical activity, and reported fatigue, with the exception of weight loss. In the regression analysis, different frailty components were associated with quality of life, but all had a negative relationship. Conclusion: Self-reported frailty has a negative relationship with quality of life, that is, the increase in the frailty scale implies a reduction of different magnitudes in the quality of life of older adults.