Gender Differences in Frailty Progression and Recovery in Older Adults in Long-Term Care

Abstract

Objectives

To examine gender differences in frailty transitions in relation to predictive factors and outcomes.

Design

Retrospective analysis of long-term care data.

Setting and Participants

Older residents (men = 10,683; women = 18,976; aged ≥65 years) were assessed annually over 3 years.

Methods

A deficit accumulation frailty index was constructed using 43 health measures. Trajectories among frailty states and mortality were evaluated by comparing women and men. Probabilities of frailty state transitions and odds of death were evaluated using Poisson and Logistic regressions. Covariates included baseline frailty, age, admission year, education, and marital status.

Results

The 3-year mortality rate was 29% in women and 37% in men; each additional health deficit at baseline increased the odds of mortality by 13% in both genders. Frailty trajectories were dominated by stabilization (46%), whereas 16% showed an improvement and 38% showed a decline. An increase in deficits at baseline was associated with a 58% increase in deficits after 3 years for women (67%, 57%, and 47% in 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively), with similar trends observed for men. Age advancement increased deficit counts by 3% in women and 4% in men, and the odds of death increased by 4% in women and 6% in men. Residents with high school or more education showed a greater risk of health decline in 1 year (23% in women, 35% in men). Being married increased the risk of health decline for 73% in women and 72% in men.

Conclusions and Implications

Frailty affected health transitions and mortality in long-term care. Older residents who were less frail at admission were more likely to maintain or improve their health status. Education and marriage had gender-specific effects on health changes. These findings inform management strategies targeting frailty and demographic profiles.