[Frailty: Prevalence in the Resident Population of Germany 70 - 79 Years of Age - a Population-Based Approach].

In all countries life expectancy is rising, and many older persons spend a longer period in good health. Nevertheless, frailty is present in older people and can be considered as a risk factor for limitations. The "German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Adults" (DEGS1) 2008 - 2011 comprised interviews, examinations and tests. Data on 1110 community-dwelling people aged 70 to 79 years participating in DEGS1 with full records on frailty were analysed. Physical frailty was defined as exhaustion (SF-36 item), low grip strength, slowness (Timed Up-and-Go test > 15 seconds or unable to perform) and low physical activity (no sports or exertion). In men 36,6% (CI 32,2 - 41,2) were classified as pre-frail, 2,5% (CI 1,4 - 4,4) as frail; in women 41,8% (CI 37,3 - 46,5) were classified as pre-frail, and 2,9% (CI 1,9 - 4,5) as frail. Frail persons significantly show more polypharmacy, recurrent falls, receive more frequently nursing care financial benefits, are officially recognized disabled and have poor social support. This population-based information may help to identify frail people with high risk of adverse health outcomes. Prediction models in operative anaesthesiology for specific health care settings should be developed.