Frailty Index Questionnaire — Longevity and Aging Frailty Risk Assessment
Categorical tool identifying frailty risk by assessing fatigue, activity, and functional limitations.
The Frailty Index Questionnaire is a concise categorical tool designed to identify frailty risk by assessing fatigue, physical activity, mobility, and functional limitations. This Longevity and Aging assessment helps older adults and their caregivers understand frailty indicators and prioritize interventions that support healthy aging, resilience, and independence.
Designed for clarity and clinical relevance, the Frailty Index Questionnaire evaluates common domains associated with frailty — including unintentional weight loss, exhaustion, low activity, slowed walking speed, and difficulty with daily activities. Use this questionnaire to screen for frailty risk, inform conversations with healthcare providers, and guide lifestyle or medical strategies to promote longevity and better quality of life.
Have you experienced unintentional weight loss in the past 12 months?
Unintentional weight loss is a common frailty indicator and may reflect poor nutrition or illness.
How often in the last 2 weeks have you felt unusually tired or had low energy?
Frequent exhaustion or low energy is associated with frailty and decreased physiological reserve.
How would you describe your usual level of physical activity?
Physical inactivity increases frailty risk; regular activity supports strength and balance.
Do you have difficulty climbing one flight of stairs without resting?
Difficulty with stair climbing can indicate reduced strength or endurance.
Do you have difficulty walking 400 meters (about a quarter mile) or walking across a room?
Walking distance and endurance are core measures of mobility and functional independence.
Do you have difficulty performing basic daily activities (dressing, bathing, feeding)?
Limitations in basic ADLs indicate functional decline and higher frailty risk.
Compared to others your age, is your walking speed slower or do you feel unsteady?
Slowed gait speed and imbalance are strong predictors of frailty and fall risk.
How many prescription medications do you take daily (not including occasional or PRN meds)?
Polypharmacy can increase vulnerability to side effects, interactions, and frailty.
Frequently asked questions
The Frailty Index Questionnaire measures common frailty indicators including unintentional weight loss, fatigue, low physical activity, slowed walking speed, difficulties with daily activities, and polypharmacy. The cumulative score helps identify frailty risk to guide interventions for longevity and healthy aging.
Older adults, caregivers, and clinicians can use this screening tool. It is intended for individuals concerned about mobility, energy, or functional independence and for those who want to monitor frailty risk over time.
The final score is the sum of the numeric values assigned to each selected option. Lower scores indicate lower frailty risk; higher scores indicate more frailty indicators and greater risk.
If your score indicates pre-frail or frail, consult a healthcare provider for a comprehensive assessment. Recommended steps often include targeted exercise programs (strength and balance), nutritional assessment, medication review, fall prevention strategies, and addressing reversible medical conditions.
Retake the questionnaire every 3 to 12 months or after any significant health change (hospitalization, new diagnosis, medication changes) to monitor trends and the effectiveness of interventions aimed at improving frailty-related deficits.
Yes. Evidence-based lifestyle changes such as progressive resistance training, balance exercises, increased safe physical activity, improved nutrition (adequate protein and calories), and reduction of unnecessary medications can reduce frailty indicators and improve function.
No. This is a screening tool to identify frailty risk and functional limitations. It does not replace a medical diagnosis. A clinical evaluation by a healthcare professional is necessary for a definitive diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
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