By TOKIKO TSUJI/ Senior Staff Writer
September 12, 2023 at 07:30 JST
Elderly people exercise to prevent frailty in Minami, Tokushima Prefecture, on Dec. 17, 2022. (Asahi Shimbun file photo)
Doctors are urging people to consume more protein to halt a surge in frailty, a condition marked by declining muscle strength and weakened mental and physical vigor.
An online survey conducted by the Japan Preventive Association of Lifestyle related Disease (JPALD) in March and April showed that frailty has increased, particularly among those in their 40s and 50s.
A total of 330 doctors, consisting of 110 internists, 110 orthopedists and 110 industrial physicians, gave valid responses.
More than 80 percent of respondents said the number of frail patients has risen, with 11.8 percent citing a “substantial increase,” 31.8 percent citing an “increase,” and 38.2 percent citing a “slight increase.”
Asked which age group they think is increasingly frail, and allowed to give multiple answers, most respondents picked people in their 60s or older.
Frailty may be associated with old age, but the survey also showed a rise in the condition among middle-aged people.
According to the survey, 36.7 percent of respondents cited men in their 50s, 36.3 percent selected women in their 50s, 21.1 percent picked men in their 40s, and 17.4 percent chose women in their 40s.
And 75.5 percent said the number of people between 20 and 65 who can be regarded as in a “pre-frailty” stage has risen.
As for reasons for the increases, reduced muscle mass was cited by 78.7 percent of respondents, decreased exercise habits by 77.1 percent, and going out less frequently by 75.9 percent.
About 90 percent said the number of frail and pre-frail individuals will increase further.
Many respondents said efforts to prevent frailty should start at a relatively young age, with the 40s cited by 30.5 percent, the 50s by 20.9 percent, and the 30s by 20.6 percent.
To prevent frailty, those in the prime of their working life should routinely exercise, increase their walking time, maintain muscle mass, get enough sleep and follow a balanced diet, the doctors said.
“Protein deficiency leads to reduced muscle mass and heightened risks of normal weight obesity and pre-frailty,” said Hiroshi Yoshida, a JPALD director who also serves as director at the Jikei University-affiliated Kashiwa Hospital. “I want people to improve their conditions through dietary habits of consuming meat, fish and dairy products.”
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