23 Frailty, Older Age-Associated Conditions, and Multimorbidity Amongst People Experiencing Homelessness in A Hostel in London

Abstract

Introduction: People experiencing homelessness (PEH) face poor health outcomes and extreme health inequity, and evidence suggests earlier onset of older age-associated conditions and signs of premature ageing. This is the first UK study to assess frailty in this population. The objective was to assess frailty, age-associated conditions, and multimorbidity in PEH residing in hostel accommodation, drawing comparisons with population data. Methods: Participants were drawn from a hostel in London for PEH aged over 30. Ageassociated conditions were identified using validated tools and a questionnaire modelled on comprehensive geriatric assessments. Participants’ keyworkers completed questionnaires to provide collateral information. Frailty was defined according to five criteria in Fried’s phenotype model: participants with three or more criteria are classified as frail, one or two criteria as vulnerable, and no criteria as not frail. Multimorbidity was defined as the presence of two or mor)