Explaining frailty by lifestyle

• We examined effects of lifestyle factors and general lifestyle question on frailty.
• Lack of exercise and smoking were associated with three frailty variables.
• One general self-report lifestyle question suffices for predicting frailty.

ObjectiveTo determine whether the effects of lifestyle factors on frailty can be adequately addressed by asking a single self-report question.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingA sample of Dutch citizens completed the web-based questionnaire “Seniorenbarometer”.Participants610 persons aged 50 years and older.MeasurementsSeven lifestyle factors were assessed: smoking, use of alcohol, intake of vegetables, intake of fruit, having breakfast, exercise, and teeth brushing. The single self-report question of lifestyle was: “Overall, how healthy would you say your lifestyle is?” Frailty was measured by the Tilburg Frailty Indicator.ResultsAge was positively associated with a healthy lifestyle (less smoking, more intake of vegetables, fruit and eating breakfast). The lifestyle factors did not improve the prediction of total, physical, psychological, and social frailty, after controlling for the single self-report question.ConclusionOur study suggests that one general self-report lifestyle question, rather than a list of specific lifestyle factors, suffices for predicting frailty.