Unraveling the Interplay between Frailty, Sarcopenia, and Socioeconomic Factors in Indian Elderly: Findings from a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract Introduction: Frailty and sarcopenia are prevalent syndromes among the elderly, significantly affecting health outcomes and quality of life. As major public health concerns, these conditions are associated with adverse outcomes, including falls, fractures, hospitalization, and increased mortality. This study investigates the prevalence of frailty and sarcopenia in the geriatric population and explores their correlation with socioeconomic and lifestyle factors. Materials and Methods: An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted involving 180 geriatric patients. Data were collected through structured interviews and physical assessments, focusing on demographic details, medical history, and socioeconomic status. Frailty was assessed using the Fried frailty phenotype criteria, and sarcopenia was evaluated according to the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People guidelines. Statistical analyses included t -tests and z -tests, with significance set at P ≤ 0.05. Results: The prevalence of frailty was observed in 41.7% of participants, while 44.4% demonstrated signs of sarcopenia. The majority of participants were male (55.6%) and aged 60–70 years (72.2%). A significant association was found between frailty, sarcopenia, and chronic conditions such as hypertension (25.6%) and diabetes (18.9%), with 22.2% of participants suffering from both. Lifestyle factors revealed a predominantly nonvegetarian diet (95%) and a smoking prevalence of 17.2%. Socioeconomic factors, particularly occupation and gender, played a critical role in health outcomes, with a high proportion of female homemakers (33.3%) and retired individuals (30%). Conclusions: The study underscores the substantial impact of frailty and sarcopenia on the geriatric population, highlighting the necessity for integrated healthcare strategies focusing on early detection and management. Addressing socioeconomic disparities and implementing lifestyle modifications are crucial for improving geriatric health outcomes. Future research should explore the biological mechanisms underlying these conditions and develop targeted interventions.