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Introduction: Frailty is a complex geriatric syndrome with a multifaceted etiology. We aimed to identify the best combinations of risk factors that predict the development of frailty using recursive partitioning models. Methods: We analyzed reports from 1,724 community-dwelling men and women aged 65–74 years participating in the International Mobility in Aging Study (IMIAS). Frailty was measured using frailty phenotype scale that included five physical components: unintentional weight loss, weakness, slow gait, exhaustion, and low physical activity. Frailty was defined as presenting three of the above five conditions, having one or two conditions indicated prefrailty and showing none as robust. Socio-demographic, physical, lifestyle, psycho-social, and life-course factors were included in the analysis as potential predictors. Results: 21% of pre-frail and robust participants showed a worse stage of frailty in 2014 compared to 2012. In addition to functioning variables, fear of falling (FOF), income, and research site (Canada vs. Latin America vs. Albania) were significant predictors of the development of frailty. Additional significant predictors after exclusion of functioning factors included education, self-rated health, and BMI. Conclusions: In addition to obvious risk factors for frailty (such as functioning), socio-economic factors and FOFs are also important predictors. Clinical assessment of frailty should include measurement of these factors to identify high-risk individuals.

Some studies have employed machine learning (ML) methods for mobility prediction modeling in older adults. ML methods could be a helpful tool for life-space mobility (LSM) data analysis.This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of ML algorithms for the restriction of life-space mobility (LSM) among elderly people and to identify the most important risk factors for that prediction model.A 2-year LSM reduction prediction model was developed using the ML-based algorithms decision tree, random forest, and eXtreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), and tested on an independent validation cohort. The data were collected from the International Mobility in Aging Study (IMIAS) from 2012 to 2014, comprising 372 older patients (≥ 65 years of age). LSM was measured by the Life-Space Assessment questionnaire (LSA) with five levels of living space during the month before assessment.According to the XGBoost algorithm, the best model reached a mean absolute error (MAE) of 10.28 and root-mean-square error (RMSE) of 12.91 in the testing portion. The variables frailty (39.4%), mobility disability (25.4%), depression (21.9%), and female sex (13.3%) had the highest importance.The model identified risk factors through ML algorithms that could be used to predict LSM restriction; these risk factors could be used by practitioners to identify older adults with an increased risk of LSM reduction in the future. The XGBoost model offers benefits as a complementary method of traditional statistical approaches to understand the complexity of mobility.

Con un enfoque interdisciplinario, esta obra aborda temas fundamentales sobre el cuidado de las personas mayores y quienes se ocupan de su cuidado. Esta obra busca establecer un diálogo desde las diversas disciplinas que se ocupan de reflexionar sobre este tema de vital importancia en nuestra sociedad, ya que desde 2015, cuando surgió la Convención de los derechos humanos de las personas mayores, a nivel regional interamericano en este tema aún no hay suficiente bibliografía, reflexión e investigación. El libro aporta experiencias no solo interdisciplinarias sino que también articula tres temas fundamentales como el cuidado, personas mayores y sus cuidadores, con experiencias de Colombia, Uruguay y España, las cuales enriquecen la construcción que Colombia está haciendo en este ámbito del sistema de cuidado.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE To identify the circumstances of falls and the factors associated with falls among older adults with cardiovascular disease (CVD). METHODS Baseline (2012) data from the International Mobility in Aging Study (IMIAS), a cross-sectional study, were used. Falling was measured by the subjective question, "Have you fallen in the last 12 months?" Several subjective questions were asked to obtain information about the circumstances of falls. Potential clinical factors associated with falling were cognitive status, depressive symptoms, physical performance, grip strength, visual acuity, and fear of falling (FOF). These clinical factors were measured respectively with the Leganes Cognitive Test, the Center for Epidemiological Studies Scales Depressive Symptoms, the Short Physical Performance Battery, a Jamar handgrip dynamometer, the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) tumbling E chart placed at 2 m, and the Falls Efficacy Scale-International. A χ2 test was used to determine whether there were significant differences in fall circumstances among older adults with and without CVD. Two-sample t tests were used to test for any significant differences between older adults with and without CVD. Bonferroni correction was applied to limit type I errors and was corrected to .007. Simple and multiple logistic regressions identified which clinical factors were associated with falling. RESULTS A total of 429 older adults with CVD (mean age 69.5 ± 2.9) and 431 older adults without CVD (69.2 ± 2.9) participated in the study. Approximately 53% of fallers with CVD had 2 or more falls compared with fallers without CVD (39%). The most common location for falling was at home (43%) for fallers with CVD or in the street (50%) for fallers without CVD. Approximately 9% of fallers with CVD needed to be hospitalized while only 3% of fallers without CVD were admitted to the hospital. Approximately 42% of fallers with CVD had some residual sequelae (eg, being unable to walk around the house or do housework) compared with only 27% of fallers without CVD. Fallers with CVD had significantly (P value < .007) more depressive symptoms (mean ± SD, 14.7 ± 12.9) and poorer physical performance (8.4 ± 3.0) compared with fallers without CVD (10.1 ± 9.4 and 9.6 ± 2.5, respectively); however FOF was the only significant clinical factor (P value < .05) associated with falling for older adults with CVD. CONCLUSIONS Falling incidence is higher among older adults with CVD than those without CVD. Circumstances of falls among fallers with CVD differ from those identified among fallers without CVD. Fear of falling was the only predictor of falls among older adults with CVD. The results suggest the merit of considering FOF when designing prevention and intervention programs to reduce falls among older adults with CVD.

Introduction: Potentially inappropriate medication is associated with adverse health and functional outcomes, as well as increased health care costs. Objective: To estimate the prevalence and types of potentially inappropriate medication according to the Beers criteria in community-dwelling older persons and to identify the major clinical and functional consequences of potentially inappropriate medication during two years of following. Materials and methods: We conducted a longitudinal, descriptive, and observational study that included 400 65-year or older community-dwelling people (48% women) selected by simple random sampling in 2012. In 2014, 372 people were re-evaluated and classified into two groups based on the presence or absence of potentially inappropriate medication through the follow-up period. Results: In total, 31% had polypharmacy (5-9 medications) and 1,8% had excessive polypharmacy (10 or more medications). The mean of the number of medications was higher in the potentially inappropriate medication group (3 vs. 5.78; p

Resumen: Introducción: la fragilidad es una condición del paciente anciano, caracterizada por un estado de vulnerabilidad para desenlaces adversos en salud, incluidos los causados por la cirugía cardíaca. Objetivo: establecer la prevalencia de fragilidad en el contexto prequirúrgico del anciano sometido a cirugía cardiaca y establecer el riesgo de desenlaces adversos otorgado por esta condición. Metodología: estudio analítico de cohorte que valoró la fragilidad en 66 pacientes ancianos sometidos a cirugía cardiaca mediante el fenotipo físico de fragilidad de Fried. Se realizó un seguimiento a 30 días, durante el cual se estableció la prevalencia de fragilidad y el riesgo otorgado por esta condición a los desenlaces adversos de la cirugía cardiaca. Resultados: la edad de los pacientes osciló entre los 60 y los 83 años; la mediana fue de 70,5 años. La prevalencia de la fragilidad fue del 31,8%. La fragilidad incrementó los siguientes desenlaces adversos postoperatorios: muerte (p 0,001), ventilación prolongada (p 0,001), uso prolongado de vasoactivos (p 0,001) e infección del sitio operatorio (p 0,004). El riesgo de mortalidad otorgado por la fragilidad fue más alto que el de los puntajes usuales de valoración como el EuroSCORE II (HR 5,49; IC95% 1,0-28,5 vs. HR 1,17 IC95% 1,0-1,29). Conclusión: la fragilidad es una condición frecuente en el paciente anciano sometido a cirugía cardiaca e incrementa el riesgo de eventos adversos, en especial el de mortalidad. Se recomienda incluir la medición de la fragilidad en el protocolo prequirúgico del paciente anciano. Abstract: Introduction: Frailty is a common condition in the elderly patient, and is noted for its vulnerability for adverse outcomes in health, including those caused by cardiac surgery. Objective: To establish the prevalence of frailty in the pre-surgical context of the elderly subjected to cardiac surgery, as well as to establish the risk of adverse outcomes due to this condition. Method: An analytical cohort study was performed in order to evaluate frailty in 66 elderly patients subjected to cardiac surgery, using the physical phenotype of frailty described by Fried. A follow-up was made at 30 days, during which the frailty prevalence was established, as well the risk of adverse outcomes of the cardiac surgery due to this condition. Results: The age of the patients varied between 60 and 83 years, with a median of 70.5 years. The prevalence of frailty was 31.8%. Frailty increased the following post-surgical adverse outcomes: death (P = .001), longer ventilation time (P = .001), prolonged use of vasoactive drugs (P = .001), and infection of the surgical site (P = .004). The mortality risk due to frailty was higher than that of the usual evaluation scores such as Euro SCORE II (HR 5.49; 95% CI; 1.0-28.5 vs. HR 1.17: 95% CI; 1.0-1.29). Conclusion: Frailty is a common condition in the elderly patient subjected to cardiac surgery, and increases the risk of adverse events, particularly, mortality. It is recommended to use measurements of frailty in the pre-surgical protocol of the elderly patient.

Objective: To describe the experiences of older adults around forced displacement due to the Colombian armed conflict. Methods: Interpretive-comprehensive study, with a hermeneutical approach; several types of sampling were carried out. The participants were 12 people aged over 60 years, who reported having being displaced and who participated in the SABE Colombia Survey. The data were encoded using the Atlas.ti software. A process of condensation of central analytical, support and emerging categories was made. Results: The displacement generated by the armed conflict has been decisive in the current life conditions of the participants. They know that they are survivors of someone else's violence; there is dislocation, loss of territory, de-anchoring, lack of protection and insecurity. To the stigma of old age, it is added being displaced and being strangers in a place where they don’t belong. They live the violent uprooting of their lands and the confusion of their identity; they found themselves in a foreign scene where they were the unusual and the strangers; from receiving threats, they passed to be labeled as ‘threatening’. This forced displacement stems from violence, but also from fear, and it marks the trajectory of life for older people who experience a prolonged struggle for survival in often hostile environments, living "permanently" displaced. Conclusion: When there is displacement, older people are not only shed of their land and their home, but also from their cosmos and their vital referents; in addition, it changes their life trajectory and their place in the world. Interventions should be designed based on specific particular and contextual analyses. Resumen Objetivo: Describir las vivencias y experiencias de adultos mayores en torno al desplazamiento forzado por efectos del conflicto armado. Métodos: Estudio interpretativo-comprensivo, con un enfoque hermenéutico. Los participantes fueron 12 personas mayores de 60 años que reportaron haber sido desplazadas y que participaron en de la Encuesta SABE Colombia. Los datos se codificaron utilizando el software Atlas.ti. Se hizo un proceso de condensación de categorías analíticas centrales, de soporte y emergentes. Resultados: El desplazamiento generado por el conflicto armado ha sido decisivo en las actuales condiciones de vida de los participantes. Saben que son sobrevivientes de una violencia ajena, hay desubicación, desterritorializacion, desanclaje, desprotección, inseguridad. Al estigma de la vejez se le suma el ser desplazados y extraños en un lugar donde no tienen lugar. Viven el desarraigo violento de sus tierras, la confusión de su identidad, se encontraron en un escenario ajeno donde ellos eran los raros y los extraños, de recibir amenazas pasaron al señalamiento de ser amenazantes. Este desplazamiento forzado nace de la violencia, pero también del miedo y marca la trayectoria de vida a las personas mayores quienes experimentan una prolongada lucha por la supervivencia en entornos a menudo hostiles, viven desplazados "permanentemente". Conclusión: Cuando hay desplazamiento, las personas mayores no solo se despojan de su tierra, de su casa, sino de su cosmos, de sus referentes vitales y se modifica su trayectoria de vida y su lugar en el mundo. Las intervenciones deben ser diseñadas basadas en análisis particulares y contextuales específicos.

Background We determine the best combination of factors for predicting the risk of developing fear of falling (FOF) in older people via Classification Regression Tree (CaRT) analysis. Methods Community-dwelling older adults living in Canada, Albania, Brazil, and Colombia were from International Mobility in Aging Study (IMIAS). In 2014, 1,725 participants (aged 65–74) were assessed. With a retention rate of 81%, in 2016, 1,409 individuals were reassessed. Risk factors for FOF were entered into the CaRT: age, sex, education, self-rated health, comorbidity, medication, visual impairment, frailty, cognitive deficit, depression, fall history, Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), walking aid use, and mobility disability measured by the Nagi questionnaire. Results The classification tree included 12 end groups representing differential risks of FOF with a minimum of two and a maximum of five predictors. The first split in the tree involved impaired physical function (SPPB scores). Respondents with less than 8 in SPPB score and mobility disability had 82% risk of developing FOF at the end of 2-year follow-up. Between 23.2% and 82.3% of the risk of developing FOF in 2 years of follow-up were explained by only five variables: age, sex, self-rated health, functional impairment measured by SPPB, and mobility disability. In those with no functional impairment or mobility disability, levels of education, sex, and self-rated health were important predictors of FOF in the future. Conclusion This classification tree included different groups based on specific combinations of a maximum of five easily measurable predictors with emphasis on impaired physical functioning risk factors for developing FOF.

Older adults with heart disease (HD) are more likely to report a higher prevalence of falls compared to those without HD. A knowledge gap currently exists regarding the factors associated with fear of falling (FOF) among older adults with HD. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate FOF and identify factors associated with FOF among older adults with HD.Data came from a secondary analysis of the International Mobility in Aging Study (IMIAS) baseline (2012) data. FOF was measured using the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I). Stepwise linear regression was used to identify factors associated with FOF.A total of 429 participants identified themselves as having heart disease diagnosed by their physician (mean age 69.5 ± 2.9). Older adults with HD reported on average (25.6) higher FOF than those without HD. For older adults with HD, FES-I increased significantly by 1.3, 1.0, and 0.6 points, when the Short Physical Performance Battery, the Leganes Cognitive Test, and QOL total scores decreased by one point. FES-I also significantly increased by 3.2 when income was insufficient compared to sufficient or very sufficient income.FOF is multifactorial, and our findings provide a base for developing future management rehabilitation intervention programs aimed at decreasing FOF among older adults with HD.

Background: Frailty is associated with poor outcomes hence identification of risks factors is pivotal. Since the independent role of parathyroid hormone (PTH) in frailty remains unexplored, we aimed to determine this in a population of older individuals with a history of falling. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Falls and Fracture Clinic, Nepean Hospital (Penrith, Australia). Participants: 692 subjects (mean age=79, 65% women) assessed between 2009-2015. Measurements: Assessment included clinical examination, mood, nutrition, grip strength, gait velocity, bone densitometry and posturography. Chemistry included serum PTH, calcium, vitamin D (25(OH)D3), creatinine and albumin. Normocalcemic subjects were divided into 4 groups: (1) Normal: 25(OH)D3 >50nmol/L and PTH between 1.6-6.8pmol/L; (2) PTH responsive: low 25(OH)D3 (6.8pmol/L); (3) PTH unresponsive: low 25(OH)D3 and normal PTH; (4) Hyper PTH (>6.8pmol/L) with normal 25(OH)D3. Frailty was defined using Fried’s criteria. Difference between the groups was assessed using one-way ANOVA and X2 analysis. Multinomial logistic regression evaluated the association between the groups and the number of Fried’s criteria adjusted for age, BMI, renal function, 25(OH)D3 levels, and albumin. Results: 22.6% subjects had high PTH levels (>6.8pmol/L). All subjects in the high PTH groups had significantly lower grip strength, gait velocity, limits of stability, and higher BMI. The PTH responsive group had a higher risk of pre-frailty (β=3.8, 95% CI = 3.42 – 5.22, p< 0.01) and frailty (β=8.26, 95% CI = 2.8-16.1, p

To identify the main factors associated with disability in older adults in Colombia, adjusted according to structural and intermediary determinants of healthy aging.This study used cross-sectional data from 23 694 adults over 60 years of age in the SABE Colombia nationwide survey. Structural determinants such as demographic and socioeconomic position variables were analyzed. Intermediary variables were classified into three blocks: intrinsic capacity, physical and built environment, and health care systems. Data analysis employed multivariate logistic regression.The prevalence of overall disability was 21% for activities of daily living, 38% for instrumental activities of daily living, and 33% for mobility disability. Disability was associated with sociodemographic structural determinants such as older age, female sex, rural residence, never married/divorced, living alone, low educational level, and Indigenous/Black ethnicity. With regard to determinants of socioeconomic position, net low income, poor socioeconomic stratum, insufficient income perception, and a subsidized health insurance scheme exerted a major influence on disability. Intermediary determinants of intrinsic capacity, such as poor self-rated health, multimorbidity, low grip strength, sedentary lifestyle, early childhood economic adversity, no social support, and no participation in activities, were significantly associated with disability.Actions that affect the main factors associated with disability, such as reducing health inequities through policies, strategies, and activities, can contribute significantly to the well-being and quality of life of Colombian older adults.Determinar los principales factores asociados con la discapacidad en personas mayores en Colombia, ajustados según determinantes estructurales e intermediarios del envejecimiento saludable.Este estudio empleó datos transversales de 23 694 adultos de más de 60 años provenientes de la encuesta nacional Colombia SABE. Se analizaron los determinantes estructurales como las variables demográficas y de situación socioeconómica. Las variables intermediarias se clasificaron en tres bloques: capacidad intrínseca, entorno físico y construido, y sistemas de atención de salud. El análisis de datos empleó la regresión logística con múltiples variables.La prevalencia de la discapacidad general fue de 21% en la actividad cotidiana, 38% en la actividad cotidiana instrumental y 33% en la discapacidad relacionada con la movilidad. Se asoció la discapacidad con los determinantes estructurales sociodemográficos, como edad avanzada, sexo femenino, residencia en entornos rurales, estar soltero o divorciado, vivir solo, un nivel educativo bajo y tener etnicidad indígena o negra. Con respecto a los determinantes relativos a la situación socioeconómica, la principal influencia en la discapacidad fueron los ingresos netos bajos, la situación socioeconómica baja, una percepción insuficiente de ingresos y un plan de seguro de salud subsidiado. Los determinantes intermediarios de la capacidad intrínseca, como la mala salud informada por la propia persona, la multimorbilidad, la poca fuerza en el puño, un estilo de vida sedentario, las adversidades económicas desde la primera infancia, la carencia de apoyo social y la falta de participación en actividades se asociaron de manera significativa con la discapacidad.Las medidas que tienen un efecto sobre los principales factores asociados con la discapacidad, como la reducción de las inequidades en materia de salud, mediante políticas, estrategias y actividades, pueden contribuir significativamente al bienestar y la calidad de vida de las personas mayores colombianas.Identificar os principais fatores associados à incapacidade em idosos na Colômbia, ajustados de acordo com os determinantes estruturais e intermediários do envelhecimento saudável.Este estudo usou dados transversais de 23.694 adultos com mais de 60 anos de idade que participaram da pesquisa nacionalA prevalência de incapacidade em geral foi de 21% para as atividades da vida diária, 38% para atividades instrumentais da vida diária e 33% para restrição de mobilidade. Constatou-se associação da incapacidade com determinantes estruturais sociodemográficos, como idade avançada, sexo feminino, residência em área rural, estado civil solteiro ou divorciado, viver sozinho, baixa escolaridade e etnia indígena/negra. Com relação aos determinantes da condição socioeconômica, baixa renda líquida, pertencimento ao estrato socioeconômico mais pobre, percepção de renda insuficiente e ter um plano de seguro-saúde subsidiado exerceram grande influência sobre a incapacidade. Determinantes intermediários da capacidade intrínseca, como autopercepção de saúde ruim, multimorbidade, força de preensão reduzida, estilo de vida sedentário, adversidade econômica na primeira infância, ausência de suporte social e não participação em atividades foram significativamente associados à incapacidade.Ações que afetem os principais fatores associados à incapacidade, como a redução das iniquidades em saúde por meio de políticas, estratégias e atividades, podem contribuir significativamente para o bem-estar e a qualidade de vida dos idosos colombianos.

Objective:To examine factors associated with visual impairment (VI) and eye care in the International Mobility in Aging Study (IMIAS). Method: IMIAS data were analyzed ( N = 1,995 with ages 65-74). Outcomes were VI defined as presenting visual acuity worse than 6/18 in the better eye and eye care utilization assessed by annual visits to eye care professionals. The Hurt–Insult–Threaten–Scream (HITS) questionnaire requested information on domestic violence. Results: Among men, VI varied from 24% in Manizales (Colombia) to 0.5% in Kingston (Canada); among women, VI ranged from 20% in Manizales to 1% in Kingston; lifetime exposure to domestic violence was associated with VI (odds ratio [OR] = 1.87; 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.17, 3.00]). Eye care utilization varied from 72% in Kingston’s men to 25% in Tirana’s men; it was associated with domestic violence (prevalence ratio [PR] = 1.3; 95% CI = [1.1, 1.6]). Discussion: VI is more frequent where eye care utilization is low. Domestic violence may be a risk factor for VI.

Resumen Introducción. La estatura en el anciano no refleja su talla real de adulto joven debido al envejecimiento de su columna vertebral, entre otros aspectos. Objetivo. Proponer ecuaciones para estimar la talla de los ancianos colombianos mediante la altura de la rodilla, según el grupo étnico y el sexo. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un análisis secundario del estudio transversal SABE 2015, utilizando un diseño muestral probabilístico y multietápico en personas colombianas de 60 o más años. Se seleccionaron aleatoriamente dos grupos de la base de datos del estudio SABE: el grupo para el desarrollo de las ecuaciones y el grupo para su validación. Se hizo un análisis de regresión lineal múltiple para estimar la estatura mediante la altura de la rodilla en los grupos étnicos (indígenas, afrodescendientes y blancos-mestizos) por edad y sexo; los resultados se validaron en cada subgrupo de estudio. Resultados. Se diseñaron seis ecuaciones por sexo (hombres=3.665, mujeres=3.019) y etnia; los coeficientes de determinación ajustados (R2 ) de las ecuaciones en hombres de los tres grupos étnicos oscilaron entre 64 y 75 % y, los errores estándar, entre 3,09 y 3,93 cm. En las mujeres, los R2 de las tres ecuaciones fluctuaron entre 53 y 73 % y los EE, entre 2,96 y 3,90 cm. Conclusión. La ecuación con mejor capacidad para estimar la talla del anciano colombiano fue la obtenida para los afrodescendientes de ambos sexos, en tanto que en la población indígena se presentaron los menores coeficientes de determinación. Abstract Introduction: The height in the elderly does not reflect their real size as young adults due to the aging of their spine, among other aspects. Objective: To estimate the equations to predict the height in Colombian elders according to their ethnic group and sex using the knee height measurement. Materials and methods: We conducted a secondary analysis of the SABE, 2015, crosssectional study using a multistage probabilistic sampling design in people aged 60 years and over in Colombia. We randomly selected two groups from the study’s database: A development group and a validation group of the equations. Age and anthropometric characteristics were similar in both groups. We performed a multiple linear regression analysis to predict the height using knee height measurement in the different ethnic groups (Indigenous, Afro-descendant, and white-mestizo groups) by age and sex; the results were validated in each selected subgroup. Results: We designed six equations by sex (men=3,665; women=3,019) and ethnic group. The adjusted R2 of the equations in men from the three ethnic groups oscillated between 64% and 75% and the standard errors, between 3,09 and 3,93 cm while in women, the R2 s of the three equations ranged between 53% and 73% and the EEs, between 2,96 and 3,90 cm. Conclusion: The equation with the best predictive capacity of the height of Colombian elders was obtained for African descendants of both sexes. The lowest coefficients of determination were obtained for the indigenous population.

The incidence of fear of falling (FOF) is high among people with cancer. However, factors that are associated with FOF in people with cancer has not yet been investigated. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify the associated factors with FOF in people with cancer.This is a secondary analysis of the International Mobility in Aging Study (IMIAS) study. A total of 175 people self-identified as patients with cancer (mean age: 69.3 years, women: 50.2%) and 177 healthy age-matched group. FOF measured using the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I) was the primary outcome. Potential variables/factors for consistency known to be associated with FOF (cognitive status, depression, physical performance, the number of falls in the last year, visual acuity and grip strength) were assessed. Simple linear regression was used to identify factors associated with FOF. Variables with p-value0.05 were then included in a multiple linear regression adjusted for the study confounders (study site, sex, and age).For people with cancer, FES-I was significantly associated with the Leganes Cognitive Test, The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) total scores and the number of falls reported in the past 12 months (P-value0.05). For the healthy group, FOF was only associated with depression and SPPEB.FOF is multifactorial in people with cancer and it is associated with cognitive status, physical performance and number of falls in the last year. Healthcare providers for patients with cancer should evaluate all potential factors associated with FOF and manage it.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the association between frailty and a summary cardiovascular risk measure (Framingham Risk Score, FRS) in a sample of older adults from different epidemiologic contexts participating in the multicenter International Mobility in Aging Study (IMIAS). MATERIAL AND METHODS This cross-sectional study used data from the IMIAS, which is composed of older adults from four different countries (Canada, Albania, Colombia and Brazil). A total of 1724 older adults aged 65-74 years were assessed. Frailty was defined as the presence of 3 or more of the following criteria: unintentional weight loss in the last year, exhaustion, muscle weakness, slowness in gait speed, and low levels of physical activity. The FRS was calculated to estimate the 10-year risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD), based on: sex, age, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and treatment for hypertension, total and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, diabetes mellitus status and smoking habits. Confounders included measures of childhood social and economic adversity, as well as mid-life and adult adversity. RESULTS After adjustment for adversities which occurred during in early, adult or current life, frail individuals presented higher FRS values (β = 3.81, 95 %CI: 0.97-6.65, p-value

Physical activity (PA) among older adults is understudied in middle-income countries. The authors examined the associations of factors across levels of the social ecological model (individual, interpersonal, organizational, and community) with older adults meeting guidelines of 150 min of moderate- to vigorous-intensity PA per week through walking in three middle-income countries: Albania (n = 387), Colombia (n = 404), and Brazil (n = 402). Using 2012 International Mobility in Aging Study data, multivariate logistic regression models identified the following significant associations with meeting PA guidelines through walking (a) individual level: depression (odds ratio [OR] = 0.62, 95% confidence interval, CI [0.45, 0.86]), being female (OR = 0.74, 95% CI [0.56, 0.998]), and high relative education (OR = 1.79, 95% CI [1.33, 2.41]) and (b) interpersonal level: high life partner (OR = 1.38, 95% CI [1.04, 1.83]) and friend social ties (OR = 1.39, 95% CI [1.05, 1.83]). While individual and interpersonal variables were associated with meeting PA guidelines, community-level social and environmental variables were not.

Introduction: The height in the elderly does not reflect their real size as young adults due to the aging of their spine, among other aspects. Objective: To estimate the equations to predict the height in Colombian elders according to their ethnic group and sex using the knee height measurement. Materials and methods: We conducted a secondary analysis of the SABE, 2015, crosssectional study using a multistage probabilistic sampling design in people aged 60 years and over in Colombia. We randomly selected two groups from the study’s database: A development group and a validation group of the equations. Age and anthropometric characteristics were similar in both groups. We performed a multiple linear regression analysis to predict the height using knee height measurement in the different ethnic groups (Indigenous, Afro-descendant, and white-mestizo groups) by age and sex; the results were validated in each selected subgroup. Results: We designed six equations by sex (men=3,665; women=3,019) and ethnic group. The adjusted R2 of the equations in men from the three ethnic groups oscillated between 64% and 75% and the standard errors, between 3,09 and 3,93 cm while in women, the R2s of the three equations ranged between 53% and 73% and the EEs, between 2,96 and 3,90 cm. Conclusion: The equation with the best predictive capacity of the height of Colombian elders was obtained for African descendants of both sexes. The lowest coefficients of determination were obtained for the indigenous population.Introducción. La estatura en el anciano no refleja su talla real de adulto joven debido al envejecimiento de su columna vertebral, entre otros aspectos. Objetivo. Proponer ecuaciones para estimar la talla de los ancianos colombianos mediante la altura de la rodilla, según el grupo étnico y el sexo. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un análisis secundario del estudio transversal SABE 2015, utilizando un diseño muestral probabilístico y multietápico en personas colombianas de 60 o más años. Se seleccionaron aleatoriamente dos grupos de la base de datos del estudio SABE: el grupo para el desarrollo de las ecuaciones y el grupo para su validación. Se hizo un análisis de regresión lineal múltiple para estimar la estatura mediante la altura de la rodilla en los grupos étnicos (indígenas, afrodescendientes y blancos-mestizos) por edad y sexo; los resultados se validaron en cada subgrupo de estudio. Resultados. Se diseñaron seis ecuaciones por sexo (hombres=3.665, mujeres=3.019) y etnia; los coeficientes de determinación ajustados (R2) de las ecuaciones en hombres de los tres grupos étnicos oscilaron entre 64 y 75 % y, los errores estándar, entre 3,09 y 3,93 cm. En las mujeres, los R2 de las tres ecuaciones fluctuaron entre 53 y 73 % y los EE, entre 2,96 y 3,90 cm. Conclusión. La ecuación con mejor capacidad para estimar la talla del anciano colombiano fue la obtenida para los afrodescendientes de ambos sexos, en tanto que en la población indígena se presentaron los menores coeficientes de determinación.

Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the influence of urinary incontinence (UI) on physical performance. Method: In prospective analyses from the International Mobility in Aging Study (IMIAS), 915 women (65-74 years) from Canada, Colombia, Albania, and Brazil were evaluated in relation to self-reported UI (past week) and physical performance (Short Physical Performance Battery [SPPB]), with reevaluation after 2 years. Linear mixed models examined the influence of UI on SPPB, adjusted by covariates (age, study site, education, income sufficiency, body mass index [BMI] and parity). Results: Women reporting some UI presented lower SPPB mean (β = −0.41, p = .009) and a greater reduction (β = −0.53, p = .001) over 2 years than those reporting no UI. Discussion: Compared with no reported UI, some UI was associated with worse and more pronounced declines in physical performance over 2 years. This study highlights the importance of practices to reduce UI to contribute to healthier aging.

Objectives To examine differences in incidence of functional disability between older women and men. Methods 2002 participants (65–74 years) were recruited in 2012 from Canada, Brazil, Colombia, and Albania, and re-assessed in 2016. Three measures of functional disability were used (1) Difficulty in any of five mobility-related Activities of Daily Living (ADL disability); (2) Self-reported difficulty climbing a flight of stairs or walking 400 m (mobility disability); and (3) Poor physical performance. We estimated the adjusted gender-specific incidence risk ratios (IRR) for each outcome in 2016. Results In 2016, 1506 participants (52% women) were re-examined, 80% of the surviving cohort. Among those not disabled in 2012, seventy-four (12.9%) men developed ADL disability, while 105 (19.2%) developed mobility disability, and 97 (16.1%) developed poor physical performance. For women, numbers were higher 120 (21.4%) developed ADL disability, 117 (26.5%) developed mobility disability, and 140 (23.0%) developed poor physical performance. Compared to men, women had a higher adjusted incidence of self-reported ADL disability (IRR 1.4; 95% CI 1.04–1.88) and mobility disability (IRR 1.4; 95% CI 1.06–1.77), but not of poor physical performance (IRR 1.03; 95% CI 0.88–1.32). Conclusions Although women have a higher self-reported incidence of ADL and mobility disability than men, there was no significant difference in poor physical performance. Reasons for this discrepancy between self-reported and performance-based measures require further investigation. Understanding gender differences in functional disabilities can provide the basis for interventions to prevent mobility loss and minimize any gender gap.

The fear of falling has a high prevalence in the community, and intervention programs for this condition are scarce, making it is necessary to strengthen this type of therapy in order to prevent adverse consequences in the elderly population.To establish the effectiveness of three intervention programs in reducing the fear of falling and increasing functionality in elderly people in the city of Manizales.A randomised trial was conducted on ambulatory elderly patients with fear of falling and functional limitation of the city of Manizales. A total of 125 individuals were randomised to one of three interventions: Tai Chi (TCh), cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and postural control (CP) exercises. The primary outcomes were: fear of falling (evaluated by the Falls Efficacy Scale [FES-I]), and functionality using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). The data was collected before initiating the interventions and after the 8 weeks intervention.An intention-to-treat analysis was conducted on 119 elderly patients. The three interventions reduced the fear of falling and increased physical performance, with no significant differences observed between them (P=.13). As regards gait speed, differences were only found between the pre- and post-intervention with CP (P.001).The results suggest that the TCh, CBT and CP interventions helped the elderly to reduce their fear of falling. Only CP demonstrated an improvement in the speed of walking at the end of the eight weeks of intervention (identifier NCT03211429).

espanolEn este texto nos inclinamos sobre una mirada del envejecimiento desde una concepcion filosofica de la conciencia del tiempo ya que es uno de los elementos mas relevantes que no solo ha emergido en el Proyecto de investigacion SABE Colombia (Encuesta Salud, bienestar y Envejecimiento), sino de la estructura misma de la vida; es mas la vejez en si misma, como fenomeno temporal, es la acumulacion de tiempo en un mismo cuerpo; ademas, la nocion de tiempo esta implicita en el estudio del envejecimiento. Este articulo tiene como objetivo revelar el sentido de la conciencia temporal de la vejez o la vejez a la luz de la conciencia temporal, en tanto el tiempo se va desprendiendo de la existencia humana poco a poco hasta agotar su contenido en el cuerpo como revelacion del tiempo, como huella, como rastro en donde se revela la vida misma. Para lograr este objetivo se proponen tres puntos nodales de reflexion, primero, entre la latencia y la presencia de la vejez; segundo, entre vejez y clandestinidad del futuro, y por ultimo, el rostro de la vejez: el desprendimiento de cuerpo a traves de la conciencia temporal del presente. EnglishIn this text we approach the process of aging from the philosophical view-point of the awareness of time. We consider this awareness of paramount importance not only in the course of the research project SABE Colombia (Survey of Health, Well-being and Aging, according to its initials in Spanish), but also because of the very structure of life. Moreover, old age in itself, as a time-related phenomenon, consists of the accumulation of time in a single body: therefore, the notion of time must be implicit in the study of aging. This article aims at revealing the sense of the time consciousness of old age or (in other words) at viewing old age in the light of time consciousness, insofar as time lets human existence come off gradually until its exhaustion reveals life as a time trace, as a time mark in the body. To achieve this goal, we propose three nodal points of reflection: first, between the latency and the presence of old age; second, between old age and the secrecy of future, and finally, the face of old age: the detachment of the body through the time consciousness of the present.

One of the challenges of population aging is to ensure that there are enough trained professionals to meet the changing, specific needs of aging populations. The aim of this study was to describe the number, geographical distribution, and general characteristics of gerontological training programs offered by Latin American universities and to analyze their disciplinary content and the degree of similarity among programs. One hundred undergraduate and postgraduate programs with gerontological content were found to be offered by Latin American universities. Information on the institutional affiliation, academic level, management, length, and content of the programs was analyzed. Descriptive statistics were run and content analysis was performed on the programs’ syllabuses to address the objectives of the study. Results show that despite being a relatively young region of the world, the majority of Latin American universities offer gerontological programs. However, the nature of this course offering seems to be quite diverse across countries. Moreover, the analysis of the programs’ disciplinary content indicates that the program providers take a multidisciplinary approach to gerontology. The great diversity of programs and their multidisciplinary contents suggest a low degree of standardization of gerontological training in Latin America. Fil: Villar Posada, Feliciano. Universidad de Barcelona; España Fil: Giuliani, María Florencia. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Psicología. Instituto de Psicología Básica, Aplicada y Tecnología. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Psicología Básica, Aplicada y Tecnología; Argentina Fil: Serrat Fernández, Rodrigo Andrés. Universidad de Barcelona; España Fil: Curcio, Carmen Lucía. Universidad de Caldas; Colombia Fil: Lopes, Alexandra. Universidad de Porto; Portugal Fil: Maldonado, María de la Luz Martínez. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México; México Fil: Oliveira, Rita da Cássia. Universidade Estadual de Ponta Grossa; Brasil

In older persons, the combination of osteoporosis and sarcopenia has been proposed as a subset of frailer individuals at higher risk of falls and fractures. However, the particular nutritional status of the sarco-osteoporotic (SOP) patients remains unknown. The goal of this study was to obtain a comprehensive picture of nutritional status in SOP patients.Cross-sectional study.Falls and Fractures Clinic, Nepean Hospital (Penrith, Australia).680 subjects (mean age=79, 65% female) assessed between 2008-2013.Assessment included medical history, mini-nutritional assessment, physical examination, bone densitometry and body composition by DXA, and blood tests for nutritional status (albumin, creatinine, hemoglobin, vitamin D, vitamin B-12, calcium, phosphate and folate). Patients were divided in 4 groups: 1) osteopenia/osteoporosis (BMD-1.0 SD); 2) sarcopenia; 3) SOP; and 4) normal (no sarcopenia/no osteoporosis). Difference between groups was assessed with one-way ANOVA and chi square analysis. Multivariable linear regression evaluated the association between the groups and measures of nutritional parameters.Sarcopenia was present in 47.4% of those with osteopenia (167/352) and 62.7% in those with osteoporosis (91/145). Mean age of the SOP was 80.4±7 years. SOP patients showed significantly higher prevalence of falls and fractures. Univariate analyses showed that SOP were more likely than normal to have a BMI25 (OR 2.42 95%CI 1.45-4.041, p0.001), a MNA score12 (OR 2.0, 95%CI 1.15-3.49, p0.05), serum folate20 nmol/L (OR 4.0 95%CI 1.35-11.87, p0.01) and hemoglobin120g/L (OR 2.0 95%CI 1.28-3.30, p0.01). Multivariate analysis showed that a MNA score12 was independently associated with SOP compared to normal when adjusted for age and gender. Hemoglobin120g/L, BMI25, and GDS6 remained independently associated with SOP after adjustment for all variables including inflammatory conditions. Hypoalbuminemia (35 g/L) was associated with just osteopenia/osteoporosis (OR: 2.03, 95%CI 1.08-3.81, p0.01) and just sarcopenia (OR: 1.77, 95%CI 1.0-3.0, p0.01) compared to normal. No differences in vitamin D, glomerular filtration rate, albumin, corrected calcium, phosphate, red blood cells folate or vitamin B12 levels were found between the subgroups.In approaching SOP patients, early prevention protocols directed to optimize their nutritional status would be a key strategy to prevent poor outcomes such as falls and fractures in this high risk population. Therefore, nutritional assessment and early nutritional supplementation should be essential domains in this strategy.

ObjectivesTraditionally, the approach to fracture prevention has focused on increasing bone mineral density while typically lacking a combined clinical approach to falls prevention and vice versa. To resolve this gap, we implemented and evaluated a novel combined model of care to the assessment and prevention of osteoporosis and falls in the outpatients setting.SettingFalls and Fractures Clinic (FFC) at Nepean Hospital (Penrith, NSW, Australia).ParticipantsPre-effects and posteffects assessment of 106 community-dwelling older patients referred from the community.Primary and secondary outcome measuresPrevious falls and fractures were recorded. Clinical, functional and paraclinical evaluations were performed. A comprehensive multidisciplinary care plan was then tailored based on the presence of risk factors. Six-month follow-ups were performed assessing the incidence of falls and fractures, change in risk factors for falls and level of risk, with the recommended plan.ResultsWe report that 97% of patients had a fall in the preceding 6 months, 47.6% of whom experienced a fracture from the fall. Furthermore, 64% of patients had a marked risk for falling by Physiological Profile Assessment (PPA), 90% had intermediate–high 10-year probability of fracture according to FRAX and 78% had sarcopenia. At 6-month follow-up, we observed more than an 80% reduction in falls and recurrent falls, and 50% reduction in fractures. In addition, 65% of patients had reduced PPA and a 57% reduction in 10-year fracture probability.ConclusionsIn conclusion, we suggest that a multidisciplinary FFC can provide substantial reductions in falls and fractures for high-risk older people, even over a relatively short 6-month time period. The current model of service provision via traditional falls clinics could be significantly improved by encompassing fracture prevention within the multifactorial approach to interventions.

Introduction: Self-rated health (SRH) has beeen considered an important marker of quality of life and an independent predictor of mortality in older adults. Objective: To determine the prevalence of poor SRH and identify risk factors associated with poor SRH among older adults residing in the Commune 18 of the city of Cali, Colombia, in 2009. Methods: A population-based cross-sectional study with a single-stage cluster sampling design. Sample included 314 persons aged 60 and older. The dependent variable, SRH was dichotomized into good (excellent, very good, good) and poor (fair, poor). Independent variables were sociodemographic, biological, mental, functional and geriatric syndromes. Logistic regression was used for multivariate statistical modeling. Results: Overall, 40.1% reported poor SRH (women 42.9%, men 35.0%). Factors independently associated with poor SRH were diabetes mellitus, depression, fear of falling and frailty syndrome (frail and pre-frail vs. non-frail). Widowed men reported poorer health than married men while other marital status (single/separated/divorced) was associated with better self rated health in women. Conclusion: Potential modifiable factors such as depression and frailty syndrome are important determinants for poor SRH in Colombian older adults. Introducción: El auto-reporte de salud (SRH) se ha considerado un marcador importante de calidad de vida y un factor predictor independiente de mortalidad en adultos mayores. Objectivo: Determinar la prevalencia de SRH pobre e identificar los factores de riesgo asociados con ARS pobre en adultos mayores que viven en la Comuna 18 de la ciudad de Cali, Colombia, en 2009. Métodos: Un estudio poblacional de corte transversal con un diseño de muestreo por conglomerado monoetápico. La muestra incluyó 314 personas de 60 años o más. La variable dependiente, SRH fue dicotomizada en buena (excelente, muy buena y buena) y pobre (regular or mala). Las variables independientes fueron sociodemográficas, biológicas, mentales, funcionales y síndromes geriátricos. La regresión logística fue usada para modelos estadísticos multivariados. Resultados: En general, 40.1% reportaron SRH pobre (mujeres 42.9%, hombres 35.0%). Los factores asociados independientemente con SRH pobre fueron diabetes mellitus, depresión, temor a caer y síndrome de fragilidad (frágil and pre-frágil vs. no-frágil). Los hombres viudos reportaron mas SRH pobre comparados con hombres casados, mientras teniendo otro estado marital (soltero, separado, divorciado) fue asociado con menos SRH pobre en mujeres. Conclusión: Factores potencialmente modificables tales como la depresión y el síndrome de fragilidad son determinantes importantes de una pobre SRH en adultos mayores colombianos.

Aim To assess the reliability and the validity of Portuguese- and Spanish-translated versions of the video-based short-form Mobility Assessment Tool in assessing self-reported mobility, and to provide evidence for the applicability of these videos in elderly Latin American populations as a complement to physical performance measures. Methods The sample consisted of 300 elderly participants (150 from Brazil, 150 from Colombia) recruited at neighborhood social centers. Mobility was assessed with the Mobility Assessment Tool, and compared with the Short Physical Performance Battery score and self-reported functional limitations. Reliability was calculated using intraclass correlation coefficients. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to assess associations among mobility assessment tools and health, and sociodemographic variables. Results A significant gradient of increasing Mobility Assessment Tool score with better physical function was observed for both self-reported and objective measures, and in each city. Associations between self-reported mobility and health were strong, and significant. Mobility Assessment Tool scores were lower in women at both sites. Intraclass correlation coefficients of the Mobility Assessment Tool were 0.94 (95% confidence interval 0.90–0.97) in Brazil and 0.81 (95% confidence interval 0.66–0.91) in Colombia. Mobility Assessment Tool scores were lower in Manizales than in Natal after adjustment by Short Physical Performance Battery, self-rated health and sex. Conclusions These results provide evidence for high reliability and good validity of the Mobility Assessment Tool in its Spanish and Portuguese versions used in Latin American populations. In addition, the Mobility Assessment Tool can detect mobility differences related to environmental features that cannot be captured by objective performance measures. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2014; 14: 864–873.

Background Life course exposure to violence may lead to disability in old age. We examine associations and pathways between life course violence and mobility disability in older participants of the International Mobility in Aging Study (IMIAS). Methods A cross-sectional study using IMIAS 2012 baseline. Men and women aged 65–74 years were recruited at 5 cities (n=1995): Kingston and Saint-Hyacinthe (Canada), Tirana (Albania), Manizales (Colombia) and Natal (Brazil). Mobility was assessed by the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and by 2 questions on difficulty in walking and climbing stairs. Childhood physical abuse history and the HITS instrument were used to gather information on childhood exposure to violence and violence by intimate partners or family members. Multivariate logistic regression and mediation analysis models were constructed to explore the significance of direct and indirect effects of violence on mobility. Interaction effects of gender on violence and on each of the mediators were tested. Results Experiences of physical violence at any point of life were associated with mobility disability (defined as SPPB

Objectives To examine whether the association between emotional support and indicators of health and quality of life differs between Canadian and Latin American older adults. Design Cross-sectional analysis of the International Mobility in Aging Study (IMIAS). Social support from friends, family members, children and partner was measured with a previously validated social network and support scale (IMIAS-SNSS). Low social support was defined as ranking in the lowest site-specific quartile. Prevalence ratios (PR) of good health, depression and good quality of life were estimated with Poisson regression models, adjusting for age, gender, education, income and disability in activities of daily living. Setting Kingston and Saint-Hyacinthe in Canada, Manizales in Colombia and Natal in Brazil. Participants 1600 community-dwelling adults aged 65–74 years, n=400 at each site. Outcome measures Likert scale question on self-rated health, Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale and 10-point analogical quality-of-life (QoL) scale. Results Relationships between social support and study outcomes differed between Canadian and Latin American older adults. Among Canadians, those without a partner had a lower prevalence of good health (PR=0.90; 95% CI 0.82 to 0.98), and those with high support from friends had a higher prevalence of good health (PR=1.09; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.18). Among Latin Americans, depression was lower among those with high levels of support from family (PR=0.63; 95% CI 0.48 to 0.83), children (PR=0.60; 95% CI 0.45 to 0.80) and partner (PR=0.57; 95% CI 0.31 to 0.77); good QoL was associated with high levels of support from children (PR=1.54; 95% CI 1.20 to 1.99) and partner (PR=1.31; 95% CI 1.03 to 1.67). Conclusions Among older adults, different sources of support were relevant to health across societies. Support from friends and having a partner were related to good health in Canada, whereas in Latin America, support from family, children and partner were associated with less depression and better QoL.

Introducción: La definición de temor a caer y los instrumentos para evaluarlo son claves para determinar la magnitud del problema y establecer estrategias de intervención adecuadas. El objetivo es hacer un análisis crítico de las definiciones y constructos de temor a caer y de los instrumentos de evaluación. Métodos: Se encontraron cerca de 1200 publicaciones entre 1980 y 2011, en diversas bases de datos y bibliotecas. Los criterios de exclusión fueron: idioma diferente al inglés, francés, portugués y español; incluir población menor de 60 años, no tener como objeto central el temor a caer y estar duplicados. Basados en estos criterios se retuvieron 337 documentos para la presente revisión. Resultados: Se han utilizado diferentes conceptos y términos para definir y evaluar el temor a caer. Las más comunes son: disminución de la autoeficacia, confianza en el equilibrio, preocupación, inquietud o ansiedad ante las caídas, miedo a caer, control percibido sobre las caídas y síndrome del temor a caer. Existen más de doce instrumentos de evaluación del temor a caer, desde una pregunta simple, hasta instrumentos elaborados para medir los diferentes constructos. Discusión / Conclusiones: El temor a caer se refiere a la eventualidad de un evento futuro, la confianza en el equilibrio y la autoeficacia se refieren a percepciones relacionadas con las capacidades actuales de la persona, es decir, son tres constructos diferentes. Se necesita mayor investigación en torno a la conceptualización del temor a caer. La claridad y precisión pueden ser útiles en el desarrollo de estrategias ajustadas a las necesidades individuales y de grupos.Introdução: A definição de temor a cair e os instrumentos para avaliar ló são chaves para determinar a magnitude do problema e estabelecer estratégias de intervenção adequadas. O objetivo é fazer um analise critico das definições e constructos de temor a cair e dos instrumentos de avaliação. Métodos: encontraram se perto de 1200 publicações entre 1980 e 2011, em diversas bases de dados e bibliotecas. Os critérios de exclusão foram: idioma diferente ao inglês, francês, português e espanhol; incluir povoação menor de 60 anos, não ter como objeto central o temor a cair e estar duplicados. Baseados nestes critérios se retiveram 337 documentos para a presente revisão. Resultados: Tem se utilizado diferentes conceitos e términos para definir e avaliar o temor a cair. As mais comuns são: diminuição da autoeficácia, confiança no equilíbrio, preocupação, inquietude ou ansiedade ante as caídas, medo a cair, controle percebido sobre as caídas e síndrome de temor a cair. Existem mais de doze instrumentos de avaliação do temor a cair, desde uma pergunta simples, até instrumentos elaborados para medir os diferentes constructos. Discussão / Conclusões: O temor a cair se refere à eventualidade de um evento futuro, a confiança no equilíbrio e auto eficácia se referem a percepções relacionadas com as capacidades atuais da pessoa, é dizer, são três construtos diferentes. Precisa se maior pesquisa em torno à conceituação do temor a cair. A claridade e precisão podem ser uteis no desenvolvimento de estratégias ajustadas às necessidades individuais e de grupos.Introduction: The definition of fear of falling and the instruments to assess it are key to determine the scale of the problem and establish appropriate intervention strategies.. The aim of this paper is to provide a critical analysis of definitions and constructs of fear of falling and assessment tools. Methods: Around 1,200 publications issued between 1980 and 2011 were found in diverse data bases and libraries. The exclusion criteria were: language different from English, French, Portuguese and Spanish; including population younger than 60 years old; not having as a central aim fear of falling and being duplicated. Based on these criteria, 337 documents were retained for this literature review. Results: Different concepts and terms have been used to define and assess fear of falling. The most common are decrease in self-efficacy, trust in equilibrium, worry, concern or anxiety about falls, fear of falling, control perceived about falling and fear of falling syndrome. There are more than twelve fear of falling assessment instruments, from the simple question to elaborated instruments to assess the different constructs. Discussion / Conclusions: Fear of falling refers to the possibility of a future event; trust in equilibrium and self-efficacy refer to perceptions related with the real capacities of the person, this is to say they are three different constructs.. Further research is needed regarding the conceptualization of fear of falling. The conceptual clarity and precision can be useful in developing strategies tailored to the individual and group needs.

Introducción: el temor a caer es una preocupación mayor tanto de los ancianos y sus familias como del personal de la salud. Todas sus consecuencias son importantes para la salud, el bienestar y la calidad de vida de los ancianos. La gran mayoría de los estudios se han desarrollado desde una perspectiva epidemiológica y solo raras excepciones desde una perspectiva cualitativa. Materiales y métodos: se utilizó el método cualitativo de la teoría fundamentada. Se hizo un muestreo teórico por etapas (abierto, discriminado y selectivo) hasta lograr la saturación de los conceptos emergentes. Las entrevistas se llevaron a cabo con 37 ancianos mayores de 60 años, en tres ciudades de la región cafetera colombiana. El análisis respeta los principios de la teoría fundamentada: codificación abierta, axial y selectiva para la construcción del modelo teórico. Resultados y discusión: el temor a caer es un concepto difícil de definir, impreciso y ambiguo. Los participantes evocan un temor difuso, sin objeto preciso y sin causa evidente, cuya amenaza es oscura, vaga, con una duración ilimitada y se acompaña de sentimientos de impotencia. El temor a caer en los ancianos genera mucha angustia, y para controlarlo los ancianos deben transformarlo en temores secundarios. El manejo del miedo a caer es un proceso que exige una reorganización de la vida cotidiana y tiene un carácter eminentemente biográfico: para enfrentar este temor, los ancianos hacen ajustes que les permiten integrar en sus vidas tanto el temor a caer como los cambios que este trae consigo. Estos cambios se armonizan a través de interacciones. Conclusión: el miedo a caer es un sentimiento que modifica profundamente la relación del anciano consigo mismo y con su entorno. Así, el temor a caer en los ancianos es más que una emoción y su manejo implica cambios: ajustes biográficos y reorganización de la vida cotidiana. Cambios que se construyen a través de interacciones que se desarrollan en diferentes esferas de la vida social. Esta nueva manera de concebir el temor a caer impone nuevos desafíos para su manejo y para evitar las consecuencias negativas.Introdução: O temor a cair é uma preocupação maior tanto dos anciãos e suas famílias como do pessoal da saúde. Todas suas conseqüências são importantes para sua saúde, e bem-estar e qualidade de vida dos anciãos. A Grão maioria dos estudos tem sido desenvolvidos desde uma perspectiva epidemiológica e só raras exceções desde a perspectiva qualitativa. Materiais e métodos: utilizou se o método qualitativo da teoria fundamentada. Fez-se uma amostragem teórica por etapas (Aberto, discriminativo e seletivo) até lograr a saturação dos conceitos emergentes. As entrevistas levaram se acabo com 37 anciãos maiores de 60 anos, em três cidades na região cafeteira colombiana. O analise respeita os princípios da teoria fundamentada: codificação aberta, axial, e seletiva para a construção do modelo teórico. Resultados e discussão: O temor a cair é um conceito difícil de definir, impreciso e ambíguo. Os participantes evocam um temor difuso, sem objeto preciso e sem causa evidente, cuja ameaça é escura, vaga, com uma duração ilimitada e se acompanha de sentimentos de impotência. O temor a cair nos anciãos gera muita angustia, e para controlar-los os anciãos devem transformar-lo em temores secundários. O manejo do medo a cair é um processo que exige uma reorganização da vida cotidiana e tem um caráter eminentemente biográfico: para enfrentar este temor, os anciãos fazem ajustes que lhes permitem integrar em suas vidas tanto o temor a cair como os câmbios que este traz com este. Estes câmbios se harmonizam a través de interações. Conclusão: O medo a cair é um sentimento que modifica profundamente a relação do ancião com ele mesmo e com seu entorno. Assim, o temor a cair em os anciãos é mais que uma emoção e seu manejo implicam câmbios: ajustes biográficos e reorganização da vida cotidiana. Câmbios que se constroem a través de interações que se desenvolvem em diferentes esferas da vida social. Esta nova maneira de conceber o temor a cair impõe novos desafios para seu manejo e para evitar as conseqüências negativas.Introduction: The fear of falling is a great worry for both, the elderly and their families and the health professionals. All its consequences are important for the health, welfare and quality of life of the elderly. Most of the studies have been developed from an epidemiologic perspective and only some rare exceptions from the qualitative perspective. Materials and methods: A qualitative method of the grounded theory was used. A theoretical sampling in different stages (open, discriminated and selective) was carried out in order to achieve saturation of the emergent concepts. The interviews were performed to 37 older than 60 people in three cities in the Colombian Coffee Region. The analysis respects the principles of the grounded theory: open, axial and selective coding for the construction of the theoretical model. Results and discussion: The fear of falling is a difficult to define, vague and ambiguous concept. The participants recall a vague, without a precise objective or evident cause fear whose threat is dark, hazy, with limited duration and accompanied by helplessness feelings. The fear of falling in the elderly generates a lot of anguish and in order to control it they have to transform it in secondary fears. The management of the fear of falling is a process that demands a reorganization of daily life and has an imminently biographic character: to face this fear the elderly make adjustments that allow them to incorporate in their lives both, the fear of falling and the changes it brings along. These changes harmonize through interactions. Conclusion: The fear of falling is a feeling that deeply modifies the relationship of an elderly with himself and with his environment. This way, the fear of falling in the elderly is more than an emotion and its management implies changes: biographic adjustments and daily life reorganization. These changes are built through interactions that develop in different spheres of the social life. This new way to conceive the fear of falling imposes new challenges for its management and to avoid the negative consequences.

Dizziness is a common symptom in older adults. The majority of those with dizziness tend to have more than one risk factor, suggesting that dizziness is a multifactorial geriatric condition. Therefore, associated factors must be determined to permit risk-reduction approaches. To examine the associations between dizziness and socio-demographic, physical, functional and psychological health factors among older persons living in the Andes Mountains. Population-based cross-sectional study. One thousand six hundred ninety-two community-living people aged 60 years and over living in four rural and suburban areas of villages in coffee-grower zones in the Colombian Andes Mountains. Outcome measures included self-reporting of dizziness as a symptom experienced either very frequently or continuously during the last month. Independent variables were demographic, socioeconomic and social factors; disease and biomedical factors; functional status and performance-based measures; and psychological factors such as depressive symptoms and self-rated health. Dizziness was reported by 15.2% of participants in the study. Variables independently associated with dizziness were: number of chronic conditions, visual impairment, and use of more than four medications. Independently associated psychological variables were: poor self-perceived health, cognitive impairment and depression. Health and psychological factors accounted for 85% of dizziness. Older persons who reported dizziness were more physically frail, with more instances of chronic conditions and sensory impairments, and had poor self-perceptions of their health. Biomedical and psychological factors showed a strong independent association with dizziness. A multifactorial intervention targeting the identified factors would reduce dizziness in older people. However, this approach may need to address different sets of specific factors related to the dizziness categories.

Introducción: el estudio científico del envejecimiento surgió después de la Segunda Guerra Mundial, por tanto es más joven que su objeto de estudio. La gerontología nació en medio del estructural-funcionalismo, por ello desde sus inicios fue una gerontología funcionalista, caracterizada por el dominio de una dimensión empírica y aplicada, en la cual los métodos han sido la guía y han marcado el camino del desarrollo, además, con un enfoque basado en problemas o sitios de intervención. Aunque se inició entre los intersticios de las ciencias biológicas, médicas, psicológicas y sociales, sus marcos de referencia explicativos provienen especialmente de la biología y la psicología. Objetivo: hacer un análisis crítico de la situación del desarrollo de las teorías en gerontología. Metodología: se identificaron más de 5.000 publicaciones sobre el tema, entre artículos, editoriales, documentos y libros, publicados desde la década del 60. Los artículos y documentos fueron revisados a partir del resumen para determinar su pertinencia y para los libros la tabla de contenido. Se retuvieron 254 publicaciones para el presente análisis. Resultados: se pueden considerar cinco aspectos importantes en el desarrollo de las teorías en gerontología: en primer lugar, nace de problemas. En segundo lugar, se ha desarrollado a la deriva a partir de la evidencia empírica (pragmatismo empírico y a-teórico) por tanto se ha centrado en la acumulación de generalizaciones empíricas. En tercer lugar, en la lucha por lograr un estatus disciplinar a veces va en contra de su naturaleza interdisciplinaria, lo cual conduce al cuarto aspecto: la complejidad de su objeto de estudio. Finalmente, otra de las dificultades que ha enfrentado la gerontología, es que nació y se ha desarrollado en medio de un cambio de paradigma de la modernidad hacia la posmodernidad, en medio de la tensión entre los enfoques explicativos y causales vs. los comprensivos e interpretativos, que tienen lugar en el seno de una sociedad que se quiere posmoderna, pero conserva muchos esquemas de la modernidad. Conclusión: como la biología y la psicología están más cerca de las ciencias naturales, ha tenido un extraordinario progreso en los últimos años: el positivismo aún está con nosotros y sigue produciendo conocimiento de alta calidad y de alto impacto. El progreso ha sido más difícil y problemático para la gerontología social, en parte, porque los fenómenos sociales son considerablemente más complejos y dinámicos y los investigadores enfocan sus estudios y teorías con diferentes perspectivas.Introdução: a pesquisa científica do envelhecimento surgiu depois da Segunda Guerra Mundial, por tanto é mais nova que seu objeto de pesquisa. A gerontologia nasceu em meio do estrutural - funcionalismo, por isto desde seus inícios foi uma gerontologia funcionalista, caracterizada pelo domínio de uma dimensão empírica e aplicada, na qual os métodos tem sido a guia tem marcado o caminho do desenvolvimento, além, com um enfoque baseado em problemas ou sítios de intervenção. Porém se iniciou entre os interstícios das ciências biológicas, medicas, psicológicas e sociais, seus marcos de referencia explicativos provierem especialmente da biologia e a psicologia. Objetivo: Fazer um a analise critica da situação do desenvolvimento das teorias em gerontologia. Metodologia: se identificaram mais de 5.000 publicações sobre o tema, entre artigos, editoriais, documentos e livros, publicados desde a década dos 60. Os artigos e documentos foram revisados a partir do resumo para determinar sua pertinência e para os livros a tabela de conteúdo. Retiveram-se 254 publicações para o presente analise. Resultados: Se podem considerar cinco aspectos importantes no desenvolvimento das teorias em gerontologia: no primeiro lugar, nasce de problemas. Em segundo lugar, tem desenvolvido à deriva a partir da evidencia empírica (pragmatismo empírico e a teoria) por tanto tem centrado na acumulação geral empírica. Em terço lugar, na luta por lograr um status disciplinar às vezes vai em contra de sua natureza interdisciplinares, o qual orienta ao quarto aspecto: a Complexidade de seu objeto de pesquisa. Finalmente, outra das dificuldades que tem encontrado a gerontologia, é que nasceu e tem desenvolvido em meio de um cambio de paradigma da modernidade para a pós-modernidade, em meio da tensão entre os enfoques explicativos e causais vs. Os compreensivos e interpretativos, que tem cabida em uma sociedade que se queira post - moderna, mas conserva muitos esquemas da modernidade. Conclusão: como a biologia e a psicologia estão mais perto das ciências naturais, tem ido um extraordinário progresso nos últimos anos: o positivismo ainda esta com nós e segue produzindo conocimiento de alta qualidade e de alto impacto. O progresso tem sido mais difícil e problemático para a gerontologia social, em parte, porque os fenômenos sociais são consideravelmente mais complexos e dinâmicos e os investigadores enfocam suas pesquisas e teorias com diferentes perspectivas.Introduction: the scientific study of aging began after World War II, therefore it is younger than its object of study. Gerontology was born amidst structural-functionalism, and from its beginnings it has been a functionalist gerontology, characterized by the dominance of an empirical and applied dimension, in which the methods have led the way of development, as well as concentrating on the intervention problems and places. Even though it began among the interstices of biological, medical, psychological and social sciences, gerontology's explanatory reference frames particularly come from biology and psychology. Objective: carry out a critical analysis of the current state of the theoretical development of gerontology. Materials and methods: more than five thousand publications on the topic were identified, including articles, editorials, documents and books, published since the 1960's. The articles and documents were reviewed using their abstracts in order to determine their relation to the topic, while the table of contents was used for books. Finally 254 publications were used in the present analysis. Results: five important aspects can be considered in the development of gerontology theories: in first place, it originates from problems. Secondly, it has developed without a course based on the empirical evidence (empiric and a-theoretical pragmatism), therefore it has been centered on accumulating empirical generalizations. Thirdly, in the struggle to obtain a disciplinary status, it sometimes goes against its interdisciplinary nature, which leads to the fourth aspect, the complexity of its object of study. Finally, another difficulty that gerontology has faced is its origin among a paradigm change from modernity to post-modernity, amid the tension between explanatory and causal focuses vs. the comprehensive and interpretative focuses, in a society that desires post-modernity, but in reality maintains many modern schemes. Conclusion: since biology and psychology are closer to natural sciences, it has had an extraordinary progress in the last couple of years: positivism is still present, and it's still producing high-quality and high impact knowledge. Progress has been difficult for social gerontology, in part due to the fact that social phenomena are considerably more complex and dynamic, and that researches focus their studies and theories with different perspectives.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of successful aging (SA) and identify its predictive factors in a cohort of older people in the Colombian Andes Mountain. Method: Data were drawn from a prospective longitudinal study of community-dwelling elderly people in Manizales. SA encompassed indicators in four domains: physical, cognitive, emotional, and social functioning. Results: The prevalence of SA was 24.4%. The independent predictors were good and very good self-rated health, middle–high/high-income level, absence of chronic conditions, married status, high educational level, and very high spirituality. Discussion: The prevalence of SA was low: One of 10 people older than 65 years showed SA when presence of diseases was included in the criteria, compared with one of four when such an item was excluded. The identification of predictive factors allows distinguishing this population in primary care services and promoting strategies that ensure high functionality levels for as long as possible.

Colombia is a country of approximately 42 million inhabitants, with some 2.5 million being aged 65 and older. Currently, life expectancy in Colombia is 72.3. By 2025, the population life expectancy at birth will be 77.6 for women and 69.8 for men. The quality of care that people receive as they age in Colombia varies according to where they live. Individuals living in the highly urbanized areas of Colombia receive high-quality care, whereas elderly subjects living in rural areas and in the southern and northern regions are exposed to unemployment, low income, inequity of access to health care, drug trafficking, and armed conflict. In spite of these problems, characteristics of aging of older people in terms of functionality and healthcare access are similar to those of people living in developing countries around the world. This article reviews the particular characteristics of the elderly population in Colombia, especially the significant changes that have happened in recent years, when social instability and conflict have determined that health resources be redirected to other budget priorities such as defense and security.

Objective: This study examines the associations between activity restriction related to fear of falling and sociodemographic and health factors among people aged 60 and older living in the Colombian Andes mountains. Method: The sample includes 1,668 community-living participants. Outcomes included no fear of falling, fear of falling alone, or activity restriction related to fear of falling. Results: Fear of falling was reported by 83.3%, and of these 52.2% reported activity restriction. Independent factors for activity restriction (vs. fear of falling alone) were low income, functional difficulty, falling or decreasing physical activity, polypharmacy, poor self-perceived health, and depression. Discussion: The prevalence of overall fear of falling and related activity restriction was surprisingly high because this is a physically active population. Participants with activity restriction related to fear of falling have decreased physical activity or functional status, poor self-perceived health, and worse depressive symptoms than those who have fear of falling alone.

Existen muchas maneras de considerar el soporte social. Se ha definido en términos de actividades, y de comportamientos, de relaciones o de interacciones y también en términos de la calidad de las relaciones sociales. A pesar de la diversidad de puntos de vista, parece existir un consenso según el cual el soporte social es un constructo complejo y multidimensional que da cuenta de la calidad de las relaciones sociales y se presenta en dos formas: el formal y el informal. El apoyo o soporte formal corresponde a entidades privadas o gubernamentales, instituidas dentro de las estructuras sociopolíticas del Estado. La familia, los amigos y vecinos, componen el sistema de soporte social informal, ellos constituyen las principales fuentes de apoyo de los ancianos. A pesar del creciente interés de los investigadores de establecer lazos entre las relaciones sociales en general, y el soporte social informal en particular, con la salud y la funcionalidad, las investigaciones en torno a la manera como estos procesos se afectan mutuamente presentan aún algunas inconsistencias y confusiones, causadas probablemente por la complejidad de los fenómenos y por la diversidad de enfoques y conceptos utilizados. En consecuencia, aunque en el campo de la gerontología existe suficiente evidencia de las relaciones entre los tres procesos (soporte social informal, funcionalidad y salud), se presentan algunas situaciones problemáticas que limitan la investigación, contribuyen a producir resultados contradictorios y dificultan la aplicación y transferencia de resultados.Existem muitas maneiras de considerar o soporte social. Tem definido em términos de atividades, e de comportamentos, de relações o de interações e também em términos de a qualidade das relações sociais. A pesar da diversidade de pontos de vista, parece existir um consenso conforme o qual o suporte social é um constructo complexo e multidimensional que da conta da qualidade das relações sociais e apresenta se em duas formas: o formal e o informal. O apoio ou suporte formal corresponde a entidades privadas ou governamentais, instituídas dentro das estruturas sociopolíticas do Estado. A família, os amigos e vizinhos, compõem o sistema de suporte social informal, eles constituem as principais fontes de apoio dos anciãos. A pesar do crescente interes dos investigadores de estabelecer laços entre as relações sociais em geral, e o suporte social informal em particular, com a saúde e a funcionalidade, as investigações em torno à maneira como estes processos se afetam mutuamente apresentam ainda algumas inconsistências e confusões, causadas provavelmente por a complexidade dos fenômenos e por a diversidade de enfoques e conceitos utilizados. Em conseqüência, porém no campo da gerontologia existe evidencia de as relações entre os três processos (suporte social informal, funcionalidade e saúde), se apresentam algumas situações problemáticas que limitam a investigação, contribuem a produzir resultados contraditórios e dificultam a aplicação e transferência de resultados.There are many approaches to define social support. It has been defined in terms of activities, behaviors, relations or interactions, as well as in social relation quality. In spite of the diversity of definitions, there is a consensus on social support as a complex and multidimensional concept related to the quality of social relations, conducted in formal and informal manners. Formal social support corresponds to private or governmental organizations, instituted by the social-political structures of the state. Informal social support is provided by family, friends, relatives and neighbors, making up the main source of support of elderly people. In spite of the growing interest of investigators to establish links between social relations in general and informal social support, with health and functionality, the researches on the way these processes have affected each other, present some inconsistencies and confusions, probably caused by the complex phenomena, the diversity of approaches and concepts used. Even though within gerontology there is sufficient evidence of relation between these three processes (informal social support, health conditions and functionality), some problems that limited the research are presented, which contribute to produce contradictory results, as well as making the application and transference of results difficult.

Fear of falling (FoF) is a common health problem among older adults. Although the relationship between FoF and limitation in daily activities has been reported, FoF's relationship to mobility disability, a transitional phase to end-stage disability, is not yet understood. We examined the relationship between FoF and mobility disability among community-dwelling older adults and explored the differences in this relationship among socio-culturally diverse sites.Cross-sectional study.Community.1875 participants (65-74 years) were recruited from five sites and included in the analysis (Kingston, Canada: 394; St-Hyacinthe, Canada: 397; Tirana, Albania: 359; Manizales, Colombia: 341; and Natal, Brazil: 384).FoF was quantified using the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I, range: 16-64). Mobility disability was defined as difficulty climbing a flight of stairs or walking 400m without assistance.Overall, 21.5% of participants reported high FoF (FES-I27). The average FoF scores were significantly different between the sites (p0.001) and higher in women (p0.001). In general, 36.2% of participants reported mobility disability. The distribution of mobility disability was significantly different at the five study sites (ranged from 19.8% at Kingston, Canada to 50.7% at Tirana, Albania, p0.001). After adjusting for covariates, those with high and moderate FoF had about 3 times (95% CI: 2.59-3.83) and 2.5 times (95% CI: 1.99-2.91) higher risk of mobility disability, respectively, compared to those with no/low FoF.FoF was significantly associated with risk of mobility disability across the sites. The strength of this relationship appears to be different between the five sites.

PURPOSE: To determine whether gender, socioeconomic conditions, and/or social relations are related to recent experiences of DV in older adult populations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data on socioeconomic status and social relations were collected in 2012 from 1995 community-dwelling older adults in Canada, Colombia, Brazil, and Albania. Violence experienced in the last 6 months was measured using the Hurt, Insulted, Threatened with harm, or Screamed at (HITS) scale and classified according to type (physical or psychological) and perpetrator (partner or family member). Binary logistic regression analyses were used to assess associations between experiences of violence and gender, socioeconomic conditions, and social relations. RESULTS: Physical violence (by partner or family member) was reported by 0.63-0.85% of participants; the prevalence of psychological violence (by partner or family member) ranged from 3.2% to 23.5% in men and 9% to 26% in women. After adjustment for socioeconomic status, social relations, age and site, women experienced more psychological violence perpetrated by family members than did men (odds ratio (OR): 1.8; 95% CI: 1.2-2.6). Social relations, such as multifamily living arrangements and low levels of support from partners, children, and family, were associated with psychological DV. Current working status was associated with greater odds of victimization by partners among men (OR: 2.35 95% CI: 1.34-1.41), but not among women. CONCLUSIONS: Gender and social relations are important determinants of experiencing violence in older adults. The findings of this study demonstrate the importance of a gender-based approach to the study of DV in older adults. Language: en

Background This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and associated factors related to frailty, by Fried criteria, in the elderly population in a rural area in the Andes Mountains, and to analyze the relationship of these with comorbidity and disability. Methods A cross-sectional study was undertaken involving 1878 participants 60 years of age and older. The frailty syndrome was diagnosed based on the Fried criteria (weakness, low speed, low physical activity, exhaustion, and weight loss). Variables were grouped as theoretical domains and, along with other potential confounders, were placed into five categories: (a) demographic and socioeconomic status, (b) health status, (c) self-reported functional status, (d) physical performance-based measures, and (e) psychosocial factors. Chi-square, ANOVA, and multinomial logistic regression analyses were used to test the prognostic value of frailty for the outcomes of interest. Results The prevalence of frailty was 12.2%. Factors associated with frailty were age, gender, health status variables that included self-perceived health and number of chronic conditions, functional covariate variables that included disability in activities in daily living (ADL), disabilities in instrumental ADL, chair stand time, and psychosocial variables that included depressive symptoms and cognitive impairment. Higher comorbidity and disability was found in frail elderly people. Only a subset of frail elderly people (10%) reported no disease or disability. Conclusions A relevant number of elderly persons living in rural areas in the Andes Mountains are frail. The prevalence of frailty is similar to that reported in other populations in the Latin American region. Our results support the use of modified Cardiovascular Health Study criteria to measure frailty in communities other than urban settings. Frailty in this study was strongly associated with comorbidities, and frailty and comorbidity predicted disability.