A recent study published in BMC Geriatrics (click here) found that nearly half of people in their 40s are now showing early signs of frailty (“pre-frailty”) that are typically seen in people aged 70-75. Full-blown frailty is often seen in people aged 75 and older and is characterized by a significant loss of muscle mass and strength, poor balance, diminished bone density, fatigue, brain atrophy and reduced cognitive abilities, and delayed healing. Frailty increases the risk of bone fractures, depression, heart attack, cancer, dementia, and premature death.
The researchers were alarmed that no longer do you have to be in your 70s or 80s to be heading down the path of frailty. Pre-frailty needs to be taken seriously as it increases the risk of full-blown frailty later in life. Experts say that it is not too late for people in the 40s to avoid frailty later in life by becoming fully committed now to eating a healthy diet, engaging in regular strength-training exercise, and getting plenty of sleep.
Comments from Dr. Thomas: The findings in this study do not surprise me. As I articulated in an earlier blog, Millennials are biologically aging faster than their Baby Boomer parents (click here). Good health is our most valuable asset and we need to safeguard it.
