Is Frailty in Older Adults Inevitable? Results from a Peer-Led Intervention Program Based on Self-Management Principles and the Canadian AVOID Strategy

A study using a waitlist control group pre-post design evaluated a new 13-week, peer-delivered Frailty Coach Program that was adapted from two prior self-management interventions involving persons with type 2 diabetes (2019) and other chronic conditions (2022). The intervention included teaching participants to use three Self-Management support strategies and providing education and encouragement to incorporate the Canadian Frailty Network AVOID (Activity, Vaccinate, Optimize medication, Interact, and Diet & nutrition) strategies into their lives. Results showed that over half the study participants made significant changes and had returned to lower levels of frailty as measured by the Clinical Frailty Scale. Other self-reported outcome measures that included eight subscales of the RAND 36-item Health Survey showed improved physical functioning, improved emotional well-being, and improved their impression of general health. At the end of the project, the program was approved for ongoing funding by the provincial Ministry of Health.