Table 1.

Common clinical presentations of frailty.

Non-specific:	Extreme fatigue, unexplained weight loss, frequent infections
Falls:	Balance and gait impairment are core features of frailty, and are important risk factors for falls. A “hot” fall is related to a minor illness that reduces postural balance below a critical threshold necessary to maintain gait integrity. “Spontaneous“ falls occur in more severe frailty when vital postural systems (vision, balance, strength) are no longer consistent with safe navigation through undemanding environments. Spontaneous falls are typically repeated and are closely associated with the psychological reaction of “fear of further falls“ so that the person develops severely impaired mobility.
Delirium:	Delirium (sometimes called acute confusion) is characterised by the rapid onset of fluctuating confusion and impaired awareness. It is related to a reduction in the integrity of brain function and is independently associated with adverse outcomes. Approximately 30% of older people admitted to hospital will develop delirium and the point prevalence estimate for delirium in long-term care is 15%.
Fluctuating disability:	Day-to-day instability resulting in patients with ‘good’, independent days, and ‘bad’ days on which (professional) care is often needed.