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	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

Frailty, commonly associated with aging, includes several characteristics (see below). Frail older adults are weak, often have many complex medical problems, have a lower ability for independent living, may have impaired mental abilities, and often require assistance for daily activities (dressing, eating, toileting, mobility). Most frail older adults are women (partly because women live longer than men), are more than 80 years old, and often receive care from an adult child. Because of the rapid rate of growth in the population aged 65 years and older, the number of frail elderly persons is increasing every year.

The November 8, 2006, issue of JAMA includes an article about care for frail older adults.

WHAT IS FRAILTY?

• Low physical activity
  
• Muscle weakness
  
• Slowed performance
  
• Fatigue or poor endurance
  
• Unintentional weight loss
  

Janet M. Torpy, MD, Writer; Cassio Lynm, MA, Illustrator; Richard M. Glass, MD, Editor

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