ASK THE DOCTORS by Eve Glazier, M.D., and Elizabeth Ko, M.D.

Doctors Eve Glazier and Elizabeth Ko explain that frailty is a clinical measure of how well a person can withstand illness or injury and recover, not simply a synonym for weakness. The Fried frailty index assesses five factors, including low activity, slow walking and unintentional weight loss. One or two signs may indicate prefrailty, while three or more suggest clinical frailty; nutrition and exercise can help address early symptoms.