Towards a frailty balance – development of a prevention framework

This contribution focuses on the need for the development of a prevention framework in order to tackle frailty-imbalance. Using data from quantitative
and qualitative studies in Brussel, first the argument will be developed that frailty should be approached from a balance-perspective. To date most of the debate around frailty in older adults has (only) focused on the registration of deficits. However, within the light of active ageing, besides the registration of deficits and dependency, there needs to be a registration of strengths as well which concentrate on autonomy and the present (in)formal care or support. A second argument starts from the observation that frailtyimbalance in older adults is often not detected, nor recognized, nor treated in time, leading to a threatening of their autonomy, participation in society, health and wellbeing and often leading to an admission into a residential care facility. Consequently, pro-active detection and prevention is needed. However, our care and social system often parts from intervention rather than from prevention. Prevention of frailty in older adults would benefit the older person, his environment and be more cost-effective for society. This paper highlights this potential, thereby paying attention to primary, secondary and tertiary prevention.