Study Finds Younger Adults with Frailty at Increased Risk of Mortality and Hospitalization

Recent research from the University of Dundee has revealed that younger adults exhibiting frailty are at a significantly higher risk of both early mortality and emergency hospital admissions. Published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity, the study investigated whether the electronic frailty index (eFI), a tool traditionally used to assess frailty in older populations, could also be applied effectively to younger adults. Led by Dr. Daniel Morales, the research analyzed health records from nearly one million individuals across England to evaluate the applicability of the eFI for adults aged 18 to 64.

Frailty, often perceived as an issue exclusive to older age, is medically defined as a reduced capacity of the body to handle stress and illness, stemming from the accumulation of health deficits such as chronic conditions, symptoms, or disabilities. This condition increases vulnerability to health declines and early death. The eFI assigns scores ranging from "fit" to "severely frail" based on these health deficits.

Historically, frailty assessment tools have primarily focused on seniors, but this study demonstrated that even in younger populations, those identified as frail face heightened risks of adverse outcomes. Though less common among younger adults, frailty's presence correlates with a similar mortality and hospitalization risk as seen in older individuals with comparable frailty scores. This indicates that frailty affects individuals across the adult lifespan, not just in old age.

Dr. Morales emphasized the importance of early identification, stating, "Our findings suggest that frailty is not confined to older age and that younger adults with frailty may face especially high risks of poor outcomes. Using the eFI in younger adults could enable earlier intervention, such as medication adjustments, rehabilitation, or targeted support, potentially preventing avoidable hospital visits and deaths."

The research underscores the potential for healthcare systems to adopt a more proactive, life-course approach to frailty, which could lead to personalized care plans tailored to individual health needs and reduce the burden on hospital services. Further studies are needed to understand the underlying causes of frailty in younger populations and how best to support these vulnerable groups without stigma.

This comprehensive investigation highlights the importance of reassessing commonly held perceptions about frailty, advocating for early detection, and tailoring interventions across all adult age groups to improve health outcomes.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-younger-adults-frailty-higher-death.html