Associations between frailty, sociodemographic characteristics and quality-of-life among community-dwelling older adults: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Aim: To explore the quality-of-life among community-dwelling older adults in China and to examine the associations between frailty, sociodemographic characteristics and quality-of-life. Design: A cross-sectional correlational study was adopted. Methods: Questionnaire study of 311 community-dwelling older adults using the Life Satisfaction Questionnaire and FRAIL scale. Results: Highest quality-of-life was found for the physical symptoms factor and the lowest for quality of everyday activities/fun. Frailty was associated with total quality-of-life and the physical symptoms and sickness impact factors. For total quality-of-life, the odds of being in the group with a median score or more decreased for frail older people (OR 0.30) versus non-frail and increased for those with medical insurance from employer versus basic (OR 2.30) and those doing exercise ≥30 min 3 days/week or more versus less (OR 2.12). Registered nurses caring for community-dwelling older adults should screen for and prevent frailty and encourage exercise to improve their quality-of-life.